Summary of Investigation – Charlesbye Limited

Thursday 25th November 2021

Organisation or Person Investigated

Charlesbye Limited (“Charlesbye”)

Matter(s) Investigated

Whether Charlesbye is an unregistered consultant lobbyist

Registrar’s Decision

Charlesbye is not an unregistered consultant lobbyist, based on detailed information and substantive assurances provided. 

Summary of Rationale for Decision

Based on the explanation of Charlesbye’s business activities and substantive assurances provided, I conclude that the company has not been engaging in consultant lobbying activity.

Chronology

Date	Action
11 November	Article in The Guardian regarding Charlesbye’s work.
12 November	Formal letter from the Registrar to Charlesbye giving background on the requirement for registering and asking if their activities fall within the criteria for registration. In particular, but not limited to, clients mentioned in media reports.
22 November	Email from Charlesbye stating they have not made any oral, written or electronic communications personally to a Minister of the Crown or Permanent Secretary (or equivalents specified in the Act)
23 November	Letter from the Registrar to Charlesbye requesting information on the nature of the activities carried out for clients listed in the letter of 12 November.
23 November	Email from Charlesbye stating that they provide strategic communications advice to their clients.
25 November	Letter from Registrar concluding the investigation.

25 November 2021

Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists

office@orcl.gov.uk