Professional guidance
Propriety and ethics in government communications
Apply Civil Service impartiality and the standards of professional government communication.
Government communications must be accurate, objective and impartial, and must be undertaken for proper government purposes. Civil servants are expected to comply with the Civil Service Code and the obligations applying to their work.
Professional conduct
Check the evidence supporting factual claims, distinguish official information from political comment and avoid inappropriate use of public resources. Apply the relevant authorisation and spending controls.
Getting advice
The GCS Propriety and Ethics team supports departmental Directors and Heads of Communication and provides specialist advice on communications matters. Departments retain their responsibilities and the wider Cabinet Office propriety arrangements remain distinct.