PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY VOLUNTARY ACCREDITATION SCHEME

The training and experience needed to succeed in the field of public policy advocacy or government relations has changed considerably. A thorough knowledge of government and the political process has always been necessary, but executives also must understand business operations. They must know how their activities in communications, corporate citizenship and government affairs relate to each other. And they must have a comprehensive understanding of the rules and regulations of government business and lobbying practices around the globe.

In addition to this knowledge, public policy advocates must develop expertise in several major areas: (1) issues management, (2) advocacy and relationship-building, (3) communications and (4) program management. These functions represent the ability to identify and prioritize issues, serve as a powerful advocate, communicate effectively to internal and external audiences, and create successful ventures that institutionalize high-priority projects.

Today there is no skills-based accreditation system that incorporates an acceptable standard of competencies and knowledge for individuals engaged in the field of public policy advocacy, public affairs, government relations or communication management. Indeed, there is no regulatory framework within the European Union for the formal recognition of individuals working in the so-called  ‘influence industry’. This is despite many jurisdictions within the EU referencing the need for competent persons in this field.

Overall the sector at both EU and Member State level is marked by a lack of regulation, variations in levels of competency among practitioners, supervision, training and the need for skills-based accreditation.

This has led AALEP to devise an Accreditation Assessment programme to improve the standard and consistency of the work undertaken by public policy advocates, to address the need to increase the level of confidence among the users of public policy advocacy services (clients) and public officials who are in contact with public policy advocates and the quality of the work performed.

Accreditation assures that a certain standard of quality is met. In a profession where licensure is not required and many people practice public policy advocacy without knowing key competencies and appropriate ethical guidelines for decision-making, earning the AALEP APPA (Accredited Public Policy Advocate) credential communicates to the outside world that one has the requisite knowledge for principled public policy advocacy expertise and proficiency. This mark of excellence demonstrates to employers that you truly know what it means to be a high-performing, effective and ethical professional public policy advocate.

Benefits of Accreditation 

• Signifies a high professional level of experience and competence
• Enhances a practitioner's approach to project planning as well as daily implementation skills;
• Broadens the knowledge of practitioners;
• Demonstrates interest, determination and commitment to self-improvement;
• Elevates the profession in stature;
• Enhances knowledge and skills by building the fundamental knowledge critical to the field of public policy advocacy.

Admittedly people can see different levels of usefulness in accreditation but those that choose to undertake it will learn a lot about public policy advocacy. AALEP APPA (Accredited Public Policy Advocate) provides a baseline of knowledge. It is a recognition of demonstrated ability NOT a training course. In many industries accreditation is practically a necessity to demonstrate technical competence in a profession where such may be required. We view the accreditation process as a great and helpful professional development tool.