The knowledge, skills and competencies for effective public affairs practice: A mechanism to embed ethics

In the United Kingdom (UK) there has been concern and scepticism as to the role of public affairs in supporting the democratic process. At the heart of this debate are issues around the motives of those conducting public affairs. This chapter is based on a pilot study that explores the knowledge, skills and competencies for effective public affairs practice. It raises the possibility that by adopting a competency-based approach there can be a mechanism to embed ethics visibly into practice improving the quality of public affairs practice and demonstrating the positive impact that advocacy plays. It is based on synthesising scholarship from the fields of public affairs and human resource management, six pilot interviews and an exploratory analysis of professional competency frameworks. Early results suggest an appetite and an opportunity to create a framework that can add conceptual and practical value.