Union welcomes review of government communications - 11 February 2003

The FDA today welcomed the government's decision to set up a review of its communications systems, as recommended by the Public Administration Select Committee in its report, These Unfortunate Events: lessons of recent events at the former DTLR.

Jonathan Baume, FDA general secretary said: "The FDA was heavily involved in the 'Jo Moore affair', and we were determined from the outset that lessons should be learned. We welcome the decision to review government communications and believe that the Government Information Service has a very good story to tell.

"In an age of 24/7 rolling media and communications, it is important that the way in which government communications are organised is constantly re-appraised. This review is a timely opportunity given that the last one (The Mountfield Report) took place back in 1997.

"The review should also consider whether clearer guidance is required for special advisers and other civil servants engaged in media work. We have already welcomed the government's adoption of the FDA's earlier proposal that induction and other structured training be given to special advisers."

Ends

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.

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