What we do
Learn about Government Communications as a Civil Service profession, our role in supporting government priorities, the standards we uphold, and how our members serve communities across the United Kingdom.
Government Communications is a functional profession, representing a community of around 6,000 communications professionals who work across government departments, agencies and arm’s-length bodies throughout the United Kingdom.
As one of 14 functions that operate across the Civil Service, we develop specialist skills and knowledge in people, set standards, and define career pathways. This is done through our central team, the Government Communication Service (GCS). Overseas, GCS International (GCSI) works with foreign governments to build their communications capability.
The head of profession is David Dinsmore, Permanent Secretary Director of Government Communications, who is supported by our executive team and Directors of Communications.
Communication is one of the four main levers of government alongside legislation, regulation and taxation. People work in government communications because what we do matters.
Our members:
- Explain government policy: describing the objectives and policies of the government of the day
- Provide crisis support: offering clarity and reassurance to the public at times of crisis
- Enable economic growth: supporting businesses to grow and thrive
- Protect the environment: promoting sustainable practices and environmental protection
- Help those in need: ensuring people can access the support available to them
- Inform about legal requirements: explaining statutory obligations such as tax returns
- Clarify changing priorities: helping the public understand evolving government policies like benefits systems
- Encourage behaviour change: promoting important social issues such as tackling violence against women and girls
- Promote public services: encouraging civic participation like voting or explaining what to do in a crisis
- Enhance the UK’s reputation: promoting Britain to people overseas
As a Civil Service profession led by a Permanent Secretary as head of profession, government communicators are held to the highest standards of accountability and conduct. We are also required to follow the Civil Service Code, which means we act objectively and without political bias in all our work.
Government communicators are also bound by key legislative requirements including data protection, disability discrimination laws, and copyright principles, and must maintain the highest standards of propriety, ethics, and public service integrity. Additionally, we operate within our own professional standards, and eligible members and their organisations are required to follow the Government Communication Functional Standard (GovS 011).
Join us
Our membership connects you with thousands of communications experts across the UK public sector, providing access to professional development, best practice sharing and career opportunities.
Visit our membership page to find out if you’re eligible and what our membership can offer you.