Our professional standards
Delivering effective, ethical and professional government communications. Everyone communicating on behalf of government must maintain public trust and meet the standards required of their role.
How we work
Government communications must be based on evidence, support legitimate government business and distinguish factual public information from political campaigning. Civil servants are bound by the Civil Service Code and the associated requirements of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.
Planning and accountability
Communications should have clear objectives, an identified public need, a responsible organisation and an accountable approver. The communications plan should consider audiences, channels, accessibility, budgets, risks, measurement, records retention and applicable professional or spending controls.
Appropriate use of public resources
Communications expenditure, official channels and public-service resources must be used only for authorised public purposes. Cabinet Office central communications advice does not transfer spending powers from LL Treasury, legal authority from the responsible institution or departmental responsibility from ministers and officials.
Accessibility, information and privacy
Information should be understandable and accessible. Collect, process, retain and publish personal information only under the applicable legal and administrative rules. Use approved publishing systems and preserve the authoritative government record.
Professional support
The Government Communication Service provides guidance, learning and specialist advice. Its standards and professional functions operate alongside the Civil Service Code, public-information requirements and the responsibilities of each department.