Fast streamers debate 'The New British Constitution'

Around 200 fast streamers attended the first speaker event co-sponsored by the Fast Stream Forum (FSF) and the FDA, which was held at HM Treasury in central London in the evening on Wednesday 7 October. The subject of the meeting was 'The New British Constitution and the Future of the Civil Service'.

The speakers were Vernon Bogdanor, professor of politics and government at Oxford University and author of the recently published The New British Constitution; Lord Andrew Turnbull, cabinet secretary between 2002 and 2005; and Dave Penman, FDA head of operations. They focused on the potential impact of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill, which if enacted, would put the civil service's core values, the Civil Service Code and the role of the Civil Service Commission on a legislative footing.

FDA national officer Caroline Milton said: "FSF and FDA representative Adam Taylor chaired the open debate, which covered thorny constitutional questions such as the role of the monarch; the potential impact of a wholly-elected second chamber; and the impact of EU legislation and devolution on the sovereignty of Parliament."

She added: "The panel emphasised the significant role played by fast streamers and the importance of ensuring that this continues."

Dave Penman also spoke briefly about how the FDA had argued for the Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill and the union's work in protecting future pay rises for civil servants at all levels.

Copies of the new Fast Stream Newsletter - Autumn 2009 for fast streamers were distributed to those attending the meeting.