News from the FDA

04 March 2002

[For Immediate Use]

Union welcomes Wicks Committee Inquiry

The FDA, the unionfor senior managers in public service, today welcomed the launch by theCommittee on Standards in Public Life of its inquiry into the boundariesbetween ministers, special advisers and the civil service.

FDA generalsecretary Jonathan Baume said:

This inquiry isvery timely given recent events. By examining the wider structures within whichministers, civil servants and special advisers work, we can not only make surethat government operates more effectively, but also hopefully prevent a repeatof the damaging events seen recently in the Department of Transport, LocalGovernment and the Regions.

The FDA willcontinue to campaign for a Civil Service Act but an act will only make adifference if everyone involved understands their respective roles and puts inthe effort every day to make the relationships work.

ENDS

Notesfor Editors

1. TheFDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UKs 11,000senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, seniormanagers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, governmentlawyers, crown prosecutors and NHS managers

2. Forfurther information contact:

JonathanBaume (general secretary) on 020-7343-1111 or07976-951191 (mobile)

Simon Moore (chief press officer) on020-7343-1111 or 07967 484441 (mobile)