Responsible Lobbying & Public Policy Engagement

Approved by: Projects Leadership Team

Review Frequency: Every three years | Last Updated: July 2026

Our Commitment

Projects exists to create spaces where businesses, communities and people can thrive.

We recognise that businesses can play an important role in shaping public policy and contributing to discussions that benefit society and the environment. Where Projects engages with policymakers, local authorities, industry bodies or trade associations, we are committed to doing so responsibly, transparently and ethically.

Our public policy engagement will always seek to create positive social and environmental outcomes and will never be used to secure unfair commercial advantage or undermine legislation designed to protect people or the planet.

This policy is publicly available on our website and applies to all employees, directors and anyone representing Projects externally.

Our Approach to Responsible Lobbying

Projects does not employ professional lobbyists and is not engaged in political lobbying as a core business activity.

Where we do engage with government, local authorities, industry groups, business networks or policymakers, our activities will be undertaken solely to support issues aligned with our purpose and values.

These may include:

supporting responsible business and B Corp principles;
encouraging sustainable development and regeneration;
promoting inclusive economic growth;
advocating for flexible and affordable workspaces;
supporting entrepreneurship and local business communities;
contributing to discussions around sustainability, community impact and the future of work.

Any engagement will always seek to create positive outcomes for society, the environment or both.

Evidence-Based Engagement

Projects is committed to ensuring that any public policy engagement is based on reliable evidence.

Where appropriate, our positions will be informed by:

recognised research and independent evidence;
government guidance and consultation documents;
climate science and environmental best practice;
data from our own operations and Impact Reports;
feedback from our members, employees and wider community.

We will not knowingly misrepresent evidence or promote information that is misleading.

Political Contributions

Projects does not make financial donations to political parties, political candidates or elected representatives.

Projects does not provide in-kind political contributions intended to influence electoral outcomes.

Should this position ever change, any political contribution would require prior approval from the Leadership Team and be publicly disclosed where appropriate.

Anti-Corruption and Bribery

Projects has zero tolerance for bribery, corruption or improper influence.

All employees and representatives are expected to comply with applicable anti-bribery legislation and our internal policies.

We will never offer or accept gifts, hospitality, payments or incentives intended to improperly influence public officials, decision-makers or business partners.

Working with Industry Organisations

Projects is a member of a number of professional networks, business communities and industry organisations.

Where these organisations engage in public policy discussions or advocacy, we will:

seek to understand their published policy positions;
ensure continued membership is consistent with our values and this policy;
raise concerns where we believe positions conflict with our purpose or responsible business commitments;
withdraw support where there is a significant or ongoing misalignment.

We expect organisations representing Projects' interests to do so responsibly and ethically.

Governance

Overall accountability for this policy sits with the Projects Leadership Team.

The Leadership Team is responsible for:

approving this policy;
ensuring it remains aligned with our purpose and values;
reviewing any significant public policy engagement;
approving any changes to our approach.

This policy will be formally reviewed at least every three years.

Putting This Policy into Practice

Projects embeds this policy by:

ensuring senior leaders understand their responsibilities when representing the business externally;
considering this policy before participating in consultations, public campaigns or policy discussions;
aligning public positions with our B Corp commitments, Impact Report and organisational values;
ensuring external communications accurately represent our views and evidence.

Managing Risk

Projects manages risks associated with public policy engagement by:

requiring Leadership Team oversight of significant public policy activity;
reviewing memberships of industry organisations periodically;
ensuring external communications are factually accurate;
monitoring compliance with our Anti-Bribery, Whistleblowing and Code of Conduct policies.

Where potential conflicts arise, they will be reviewed by the Leadership Team before any public position is adopted.

Monitoring Compliance

The Leadership Team reviews compliance with this policy through:

periodic review of industry memberships;
review of significant public policy engagements;
monitoring any complaints or concerns received;
annual governance reviews.

Lessons learned will be incorporated into future policy updates where appropriate.

Raising Concerns

Employees, members, suppliers and other stakeholders are encouraged to raise concerns if they believe Projects has acted inconsistently with this policy.

Concerns can be raised through:

a member of the Leadership Team;
our Whistleblowing Policy;
our grievance procedures.

All concerns will be investigated fairly and confidentially wherever possible.

Public Availability

This Responsible Lobbying & Public Policy Engagement Policy has been approved by the Projects Leadership Team and is published on the Projects website.

It will be reviewed at least every three years to ensure it continues to reflect best practice, evolving legislation and our commitment to responsible business.

Responsible Lobbying & Public Policy Engagement​