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      Tuesday, December 06, 2011

 

The Independent's front page story today is on PR company Bell Pottinger's alleged influence on the UK government. It's based on an undercover investigation carried out by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.

I'm not a big fan of lobbyists but some of the individuals caught on camera actually come out of the story slightly better than you might expect.  They are quoted as showing interest in working to improve the image of the Uzbekistan regime but only if that government demonstrates an intent to improve its behaviour on human rights.

"A number of [our client] governments have had serious reputational issues,"[...]
But he also stressed a need for genuine commitment to reform. "Everything we are recommending is predicated on the agreement by the government to change," he said. "[That] justifies why a PR company is representing a country which previously people shouldn't have been talking to. Now it actually wants to change it is fully acceptable."

Another executive stressed, whilst talking about one of the firm's clients: "I wouldn't actually represent a client whom I didn't believe."

He added: "Just trying to sell the situation as it is or to say that things are changing when in reality they aren't is not going to work. Once we're clear that we've got the collateral, the proof that things are changing, then obviously we have the connections to get the message through to the right people."

They're also reported as boasting easy access to and influence over government, though that's hardly surprising in a meeting where they are attempting to promote their services to secure a lucrative contract.

It's probably the government and in particular the prime minister who comes out of this with the least credit, if the PR consultants (or the journalist's reports) are to be believed.  Mr Cameron and the deputy prime minister Nick Clegg have been repeatedly quoted about the damaging effects of the disproportionate degree to which lobbyists and big business influence government. They even have plans for a register of lobbyists.

The alleged lightning speed at which a business can get a message through a PR firm to the prime minister, who then instantly takes that complaint to a foreign head of state, in this case China, therefore, will be cause for concern. Whether that concern arises from being found out or a desire that such influence should not be so powerful is another question.  What was predicatable in the world of Westminster, the media and PR was that the PM's office would issue a denial:

"Bell Pottinger nor any other lobbying firm has any say or influence over government policy."

The almost amusing part of the story comes at the tail end where, through their lawyers Carter Ruck, Bell Pottinger declare:

"The conduct of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism does not remotely constitute responsible journalism. It is an attempt by unethical, deception to manufacture a story where none exists."

A case of the Bell Pottinger calling the kettle black? {Assuming you define a kettle (or the Bureau of Investigative Journalism) as 'a vessel designed to withstand high temperatures, used in various processes such as refining and brewing' (stories)}

Ray 11:37 AM [ Permalink ] 0 comments [ Links to this post ] Make a New Post

      Thursday, December 01, 2011

 

I just got an email from the Open University's Director of Development regarding a fund the OU are setting up to facilitate access to our courses for poorer students who will not have access to student loans or the government's new National Scholarship Funding. It deserves wider circulation hence I've reproduced a copy below.

"Dear Colleague,

I am writing to you as I am concerned about future funding for some widening participation students in England who take part in introductory Openings courses. For many students, successfully completing an Openings course means that they have the skills and the confidence to forge ahead to complete their chosen qualification.

However, the new National Scholarship Programme will not be available to Openings students, and nor will those students be eligible for loans. Those courses, though, are a vital gateway to OU study and give confidence to people with no prior Higher Education experience.

We have created an Access to Success fund which will specifically provide financial support for Openings students who cannot afford to pay their own fees. The University has asked the Development Office to raise money for this fund to ensure that those taking their first steps into Higher Education can do so without finance being a barrier to entry. I was delighted that the first £100,000 was donated by OU students themselves through a generous gift from the OU Students Educational Trust. I am now writing to you as a member of staff to ask you to consider making a donation. A wider fundraising appeal will start next year.

Ahead of a public launch, we have been given a time-limited opportunity for donations to be matched by Sir Alec Reed CBE, a friend and generous supporter of the OU, and the OU’s Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Lord Haskins. It means that a donation made next week through The Big Give Christmas Challenge (Sir Alec’s fundraising initiative) could be match-funded by both The Big Give and Lord Haskins. In addition, Gift Aid can be added. This means that in total, a donation of £10 could be worth £23 towards the new fund.

This is the first time that many OU staff members have been directly asked to consider making a donation to the University. These are unprecedented times for the institution. We are determined to ensure that we can continue to provide opportunities for the most disadvantaged.

Many members of staff already choose to contribute in this way. The OU is an educational charity and, over the years, many of its alumni, students, staff and friends have shown their support through donations. In fact, just last year, more than 9,000 people and organisations made contributions to the University totalling more than £2.4 million.

As a member of staff, your contribution to enriching our students’ lives is invaluable. I am hoping that you might consider joining me in supporting our students through this appeal and I will be in touch again next week to let you know how to donate.

Best wishes,

Edith Prak

Director of Development

The Open University"

Ray 2:39 PM [ Permalink ] 0 comments [ Links to this post ] Make a New Post