FDA welcomes new Cabinet Secretary and Head of Civil Service - 15 June 2005

The appointment of Sir Gus O'Donnell as the new Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service announced today has been welcomed by the FDA, the union representing senior managers and professionals in the civil service.

Jonathan Baume, FDA General Secretary, said:

"Sir Gus is an excellent choice and very good news for the civil service. He has all of the necessary skills to lead the civil service during a period of continuing change and reform. He will also be able to restore confidence in effective Cabinet government.

"Civil servants have been angered and depressed by regular attacks in recent months by politicians of all parties. The debate on public expenditure has been presented by politicians as one between a wasteful civil service compared to the contribution made by doctors, nurses, teachers and others. Sir Gus will be able to provide the visible leadership that the civil service now requires to help restore morale internally and enhance the public's understanding of the immense contribution that the civil service makes to public life.

"The FDA looks forward to working with him in partnership to ensure that the UK's civil service remains at the cutting edge of innovation and reform and retains its position as probably the most effective civil service anywhere in the world."

Notes for Editors
1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UK's 13,000 senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, diplomats and crown prosecutors.
2. The FDA can be referred to simply as "The FDA" and described as "the senior civil and public servants' union" or something along those lines. We would be grateful if you would avoid using 'First Division Association' as this is no longer our name and causes all sorts of confusion with football clubs and the like. Thank you!

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