News from the FDA

The union of choice for senior managers and professionals in publicservice

4 January 2004

[Embargoed until midnight]

The FDA today welcomedthe publication of the Public Administration Select Committees report anddraft Civil Service Bill.

FDA general secretaryJonathan Baume said:

This is anopportunity for ministers to consolidate trust and integrity at the heart ofgovernment. It is 150 years since the Northcote Trevelyan report called for aCivil Service Act, and it is time for the government to end its prevaricationon this matter. It is now time to deliver.

In a period oftremendous change, the Act will reinforce the civil services values andethics, and good governance, while enabling the governments ambitiousprogramme of reform to be implemented with confidence throughout the civilservice.

Ends

Notesfor Editors

1.    The FDA is the trade union and professionalbody representing the UKs 11,000 senior civil and public servants. Our membersinclude policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists,statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, crownprosecutors and NHS managers.

2.    For further information contact:

JonathanBaume (general secretary) on 020 7343 1111 or 07976 951191 (mobile).

SimonMoore (chief press officer) on 020-7343-1111 or 07967 484441 (mobile)