Government communications reorganisation - 3 September 2003

The FDA, which represents senior civil servants including heads of information, today welcomed the reorganisation of the government press and information service announced by the Prime Minister.

FDA general secretary Jonathan Baume said: "These changes are very welcome and fully recognise the importance of professionalism in government communications. They uphold the values of the Government Information and Communication Service, which has been part of the civil service for over 50 years.

"There is tremendous public trust in the integrity and impartiality of the civil service, and the Prime Minister has recognised the need for the civil service to be seen to lead government communications. The GICS is currently more of a network than an organisation and these changes achieve a much better balance that will enhance the government's ability to deliver its overall programme.

The clear but restricted role for the new director of communications David Hill clarifies the lines of accountability and ensures that overarching leadership of government information lies with the civil service, as it should."

Notes for editors
1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UK's 11,000 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.

2. For further information contact: