About Government Communications
We support all professional communicators across government to gain the skills and knowledge they need to carry out their roles.
Who we are
The Government Communication Service is a Civil Service profession. If you are working in communications, or need communications advice or support as part of your role, the Service provides the central professional community, standards and guidance for government communicators.
Our profession is led through the Cabinet Office and works alongside communications teams in departments, agencies and public bodies. Departments remain responsible for their own policy and service communications, while No.10 Harrington Court is responsible for Chief Ministerial communications.
What we do
We help government communicators plan and deliver clear, effective communication by developing professional standards, sharing good practice, advising on propriety, building skills and supporting cross-government communication when coordinated activity is required.
The Government Communication Function, the Government Communications profession and GCS maintain related but distinct responsibilities: cross-government functional standards and coordination, professional development, and the central services needed to support communications work.
Our role in government
GCS is part of the Civil Service. The Cabinet Office provides professional leadership for central government communications, including strategy, evaluation, propriety, professional capability and coordination. This is not a separate ministerial department and does not replace departmental press offices or their ministerial accountability.