permanent secretaries, directors general (and chief executive officers (CEO) of arms length bodies)
senior leadership and board members within organisations;
those commissioning communications
communications leads within organisations
those involved in developing, managing and delivering communications
third parties engaged in government communications, including in partnership marketing
If you have comments or feedback about this functional standard, please email gcs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Published 4 November 2020 Last updated 30 November 2023 +show all updates
Version 2.1 of this standard replaces the previous edition [version 2 dated June 2021] and hasthe same purpose, scope and intent. The main changes relate to:Minor wording changes to ensure consistency across the suite of functional standardsUpdated references to GCS governance structureReordering to better reflect the structure of the Modern Communications Operating Modelv3.0, and adding two new communications disciplines, Data & Insight and DigitalUpdated references to the GCS canon of professional guidanceClariifcation around requirements on conduct, propriety and ethics.
Version 2.0 of this standard replaces the previous edition [version 1 dated August 2019] and has the same purpose, scope and intent. The main changes relate to: Updated references from the GCS Canon of Professional Practice Minor wording changes to ensure consistency across the suite of functionalstandards Splitting the key Principles [section 2] from seven into nine, for purposes of greaterclarity.
