Top civil servants' union says secret change to role of special advisers is 'bizarre' - 19 July 2005

Today FDA general secretary Jonathan Baume echoed the dismay of Sir Alistair Graham, Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, over the way the Government has changed the legislation governing the role of special advisers.

The legislation - the Civil Service Order in Council - was amended on the 22nd June by the Privy Council and redefines the role of special advisers from providing 'advice' to Ministers to providing 'assistance'. However, no statement to Parliament or public announcement has yet been made by the Government.

Jonathan Baume, FDA General Secretary, said:
"This is a bizarre way to change important parts of the way in which the civil service operates. A possible change in the way that the role of special advisers is defined has been a subject of debate behind closed doors for over 18 months. There is no reason why this could not have been the subject for open and rational discussion.

"The change in the definition of the role of special advisers deserved to be handled more democratically and transparently. This would have been the case if we had a Civil Service Act, which would provide Parliament with oversight of the arrangements and governance of the civil service and special advisers. The FDA, along with the CSPL and Public Administration Select Committee, will continue to lobby for such an Act which has become even more important given the pace of change in Whitehall.

"The legislation redefining the role of special advisers will not change the world. It simply confirms that the role of special advisers has gradually changed over a lengthy period and this is not encompassed by describing it as 'advice'. For instance, when a special adviser briefs a journalist, does that really fall under the definition of 'advice'?

"What this legislation does not do, nor should it do, is change the current arrangements and responsibilities between civil servants and special advisers. The detail will become clearer with the updating of the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers, and the FDA will be involved that process."

Notes for Editors
1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UK's 16,000 senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, diplomats, crown prosecutors and NHS managers.

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!

3. For further information contact: