As a Special Adviser, Runeckles said she “became, over time, a bridge between the politics and the civil service machine, an experienced spotter and solver of problems and definitely a mediator.”
On the four words ingrained in every civil servant – integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality – Runeckles said: “I argue that the first three areas are as relevant to Special Advisers as any other employee of the government. Where the difference comes is with the last of those words: impartiality. But without Special Advisers, the civil service would struggle to remain impartial, and it is for that reason that special advisers are vital to civil servants as much as they are to ministers.”
Jane Runeckles
FDA National Officer for Wales
Without Special Advisers, the civil service would struggle to remain impartial, and it is for that reason that special advisers are vital to civil servants as much as they are to ministers.
Runeckles joined the FDA as a National Officer in March this year. “We defend the integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality of civil servants on a daily basis,” she explained. “It’s a shift that I hope removes any doubt from any of my former civil service colleagues that I recognised and respected their roles, and quite often, their brilliance”.
Wales Governance Centre Annual Lecture 2024 with Jane Runeckles.
Darlith Flynyddol Canolfan Llywodraethiant Cymru 2024 gan Jane Runeckles.
The FDA and other trade unions have signed a partnership agreement with Transport for Wales.
Appearing before the Senedd Standards of Conduct Committee, FDA National Officer Jane Runeckles made clear that the process for dealing with bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct must be independent from MSs.
Tommy Newell speaks to Permanent Secretary of the Welsh Government Andrew Goodall about the importance of social partnership, working as a hybrid organisation and utilising opportunities from Senedd reform.
