The transitory Advertising Rules Committee (ARC) has been set up in response to the new Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) rules that will be in effect from March 1st 2011.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is the UK's independent regulator of advertising across all media; from 1st March 2011 this will include marketing on websites and social media. Their remit is to make sure ads are legal, decent, honest and truthful by sticking to the advertising codes.
The advertising code for non-broadcast media are written by the Committee of Advertising practice (CAP); non-broadcast media includes leaflets, press, sales promotion and direct marketing and now marketing on websites and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
There is a certain amount of confusion as to the implication of the CAP code for BANT member's websites and other marketing communications.
THE AIMS OF THE ADVERTISING RULES COMMITTEE
To serve in an advisory and educational capacity, not giving specific advice about any members' websites or other marketing materials.
To help educate and advise our members to understand how the advertising code relates to the way they market themselves on websites and in printed materials.
To ensure that members areas of special interest on the BANT website are compliant.
To enter into discussion with the copy advice team from CAP to develop a list of health claims that our members can use in their marketing.
To draft and send guidelines to BANT members by 18th March 2011.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
1 voluntary Chair and 1 Deputy Chair
3 voluntary BANT Members
The Chair is selected from the committee members, approved by the BANT Council and reports to the Council on all matters regarding the Advertising Rules Committee
COMMITTEE MEMBERS