ASPA, the representative body for the public affairs sector in Scotland, has appointed a new convenor, Callum Chomczuk.
Chomczuk replaces Alastair Ross who stepped down at the organisation’s AGM on Monday 4th December, after serving as convenor for seven years. Chomczuk is an account director with Pagoda Porter Novelli and previously worked in public affairs for Age Scotland and Social Enterprise Scotland. Before that he was a parliamentary researcher. He has been an ASPA committee member since 2016.
ASPA was established in 1998 by public affairs and policy practitioners in Scotland and today has a diverse membership of over 100 organisations, drawn from businesses, charities, consultancies, membership organisations, and trade associations. All members sign up to a code of conduct which sets out an expectation of integrity when lobbying decision makers.
On his appointment, Chomczuk said: “The implementation of the Lobbying Act next year will herald a new way of working for public affairs practitioners in Scotland, with all face to face communication with MSPs potentially registerable.
“Under Alastair’s leadership ASPA has been at the forefront of communicating the implications of these changes to those working in public affairs in Scotland.
“I look forward to working with the committee and membership to ensure that ASPA members continue to provide a benchmark in good practice and transparency, as well as increasing regard and recognition of the value of lobbying to the decision making process in Scotland.”
Alastair Ross added: “I’m pleased to hand over to Callum who is ideally placed to champion the work of the public affairs industry in Scotland. I’ve enjoyed my time as convener and look forward to supporting Callum in his new role.”