FDA welcomes draft civil service bill - 15 November 2004

A Civil Service Act will help maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity at the heart of UK Government, the FDA said today in welcoming the Government's publication of a draft civil service bill.

Jonathan Baume, FDA General Secretary, said: "The UK civil service has a worldwide reputation for the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. The values and governance of the civil service were first established 150 years ago in response to widespread political cronyism and corruption. During a period of tremendous change within the civil service, we believe that a Civil Service Act is vitality important to help preserve those values and high standards of behaviour.

"The FDA began campaigning for an Act six years ago and we welcome the long-promised publication of this draft bill which demonstrates the increasing support and degree of scrutiny this issue has received.

"This draft has flaws. For the past two years, the Cabinet Office has sought to increase political involvement in civil service appointments and minimize the importance of the civil service code, and the bill has been drafted in this spirit. However, we will be considering the draft in detail and responding to the Government. Our priority will be to secure a cross party consensus - we do not wish a Civil Service Act to be the subject of party political controversy."

Notes for Editors
1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UK's 11,700 senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, crown prosecutors and NHS managers.

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