DWP Sanctions Leaflet ‘Blatantly’ Disregards Standards Of Ethical Conduct #fakedwpstories

A press release from the Chartered Institute Of Public Relations.

The President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), Sarah Pinch FCIPR MIOD, has responded to reports from Welfare Weekly, that the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) fabricated quotes and images in information packs on benefits sanctions, issuing the following statement:

“Falsely creating the impression of independent, popular support is a naïve and opaque technique which blatantly disregards the CIPR’s standards of ethical conduct.

“It is deeply disappointing that the public relations professionals involved in this campaign allowed it to be published.

“All CIPR Members are publicly accountable for the standard of their professional conduct, and the conduct of those under their management.

“This accountability is a valuable asset to the public, to Members and to those who employ them.

“Honest regard for the public interest; delivering reliable and accurate information; and never misleading clients, employers or others are vital components of proper professional practice.

“Any CIPR Member found to be breaking any of our ethical principles, will be held accountable for their actions.”

The institute is hosting its second annual ‘Ethics Month‘ in September 2015. As part of Ethics Month, a series of roundtables will be hosted starting with ‘Would you lie for your employer or client?’ taking place on 9 September.

Founded in 1948, the CIPR is the professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK. With over 10,000 members involved in all aspects of public relations, it is the largest body of its type in Europe.