Introduction
The Government Communication Service (GCS) is full of brilliant communications professionals working across departments, agencies and arm’s-length bodies (ALBs). People work in GCS because what we do matters. We explain the policies of the government of the day. We provide clarity at times of crisis. We help people access support. We change behaviour for the public good.
The past year has shown the huge impact we can make when we work together to deliver world-class, modern communications. We have countered disinformation and reassured the UK public and our partners of our unwavering support for the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression. We have helped people across the UK understand and access the support available with the cost of living. And teams across government came together to plan and deliver communications to support a fitting commemoration of the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In the year ahead, government communications will play a central role in helping to deliver the Prime Minister’s priorities and vision for building a better future. Alongside legislation, regulation and taxation, communication is one of the four main levers the government has to affect change.
But communication itself is changing fast. New technology is rapidly creating opportunities and challenges and it is crucial that our profession continues to embrace innovation and continuous improvement, while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
This annual, cross-government plan sets out the areas where we must focus our efforts. By uniting our profession under these key themes, we can deliver more effective communications and campaigns, work across organisational boundaries to innovate and embrace the opportunities presented by new technology, and speak to our audiences with one voice.
Simon Baugh, Chief Executive, Government Communication Service, and HMG Directors of Communications