The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) is a trade association for the public relations sector in the UK. The association acts on behalf of its member companies and provides a forum for sharing information. The PRCA exists to uphold standards in the public relations and communications industry. All members are automatically subscribed to The PRCA's Codes of Conduct and Professional Charter. 

DIARY directory has picked out the main points of the code: 

1. Conduct in relation to the PRCA Professional Charter

A member shall:

Observe the highest standards in the practice of PR and communications and has the responsibility at all times to deal fairly and honestly with fellow members and professionals, the PR and communications profession, other professions, suppliers, intermediaries, the media of communication, colleagues, and the public. 

A member shall not:

Engage in any practice nor be seen to conduct themselves in any manner detrimental to the reputation of the Association or the reputation and interests of the PR and communications profession. 

2. Conduct towards the Public, the Media and other Professionals

A member shall:

Conduct their professional activities with proper regard to the public interest. Have a positive duty at all times to respect the truth and shall not disseminate false or misleading information knowingly or recklessly, and to use proper care to avoid doing so inadvertently. Have a duty to ensure that the actual interest of any organisation with which they may be professionally concerned is adequately declared.

3. Conduct towards Colleagues

A member shall:

Adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and truth, avoiding extravagant claims or unfair comparisons and giving credit for ideas and words borrowed from others.

A member shall not:

Intentionally damage the professional reputation or practice of another member. 

4. Discriminatory Conduct

A member is required to take all reasonable care that professional duties are conducted without causing offence on the grounds of gender, race, religion, disability or any other form of discrimination or unacceptable reference.

PRCA Arbitration and Disciplinary Procedures

The purpose of the PRCA Arbitration and Disciplinary Procedures is to have a mechanism whereby the Professional Charter of the PRCA is seen to be capable of enforcement. It also provides a mechanism by which complaints under the PRCA Professional Charter against members may be processed effectively and fairly. Additionally, it allows parties in disagreement to submit their cases by mutual agreement to arbitration and settlement. 

To download the full PRCA's Codes of Conduct and Professional Charter please visit prca.org.uk.