Political Campaigns

Political Campaigning is not just lobbying but the campaigner is often called a Lobbyist. This phrase stems from the very large reception hall in the House of Commons referred to as the Lobby. A Lobbyist is someone promoting an idea, persuading others to take a certain course of action. The principles of lobbying, adapted as needed, are used whenever there is a need to persuade a person in authority to take a certain line of action. I am sure that without too much thought all entrepreneurs and small businesses could see how this may be useful to them in influencing local strategies.

In 2002 I was one of the key facilitators in Autism Awareness Year. We gathered over 900 like-minded organisations together to create a critical mass that could not be ignored by the Government. We outlined a number of shared objectives and held to a very tight brief so as not to dilute our message. By the end of the year we had succeeded in gaining a separate national framework for children with autism; the Government had released a further £1.2m to research cause (announced at a conference organised by myself, by the Minister for Health) and had the bulk of our aims adopted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Autism (APPGA) as their manifesto for change.

In 2005 it became clear to me that a number of young people with learning difficulties were being brought into the criminal justice system as a result of the 'Respect' agenda, launched by the Prime Minister to tackle anti-social behaviour. These youngsters, with conditions such as ADHD, Tourette and Asperger syndrome were being given ASBOs (Anti-Social Behaviour Orders), and subsequently breaking them, as their behavioural difficulties, due to medical problems, could not easily be overcome. This we pointed out to the Home Office, who at first could not believe it was happening. We started collating case studies and took these to the Home Office, who began a low level investigation. We pointed out that the individual support orders (ISOs), recommended to help these children, were not being put in place. Later, it was discovered that despite over 3,000 ASBOs being issued, only 7 support orders had followed. As a result, the Government released funding to support these orders and guidance was changed.

If you would like to read more about the findings please download the document here (pdf). This document was released at a House of Commons reception (which doesn't cost as much as you may think, but gives you a great deal of media interest). These receptions allow interested politicians to conveniently 'pop in' to be updated and help you gain support in the right circles. As a consequence of this lobbying, the story has been picked up in all the national media and disability press and pressure is now on at the Home Office to ensure that these children are no longer being absorbed accidentally.

Avon and Somerset Police were incredibly supportive of the whole campaign with Chief Inspector John Snell speaking up on behalf of his team. They do not believe ASBOs for under 17 year olds are the answer, and should never be issued to young people with learning difficulties. So too was Bridgwater's MP, Ian Liddell Grainger, who kindly hosted the House of Commons event (even though he lost his voice on the day and a very welcome Lord Bridgwater - Tom King - stepped in to retrieve the situation).

Campaigning can work well at a local level to influence thinking, and the full gambit of the marketing mix comes in to play.