Terms of reference

These are the terms of reference for the Government Actuary's Department.

Our vision

We aim to ensure that GAD becomes a single, high-performing team that:

  • is recognised throughout government as a high quality source of innovative thinking and specialist advice across many sectors
  • has substantially enhanced its reputation for efficiency and value for money
  • achieves high levels of consistency and standardisation in its operations and business processes
  • is widely recognised for its development of analytical, actuarial and business skills in its people

Our mission

To support effective decision-making and robust reporting within government as the first choice provider of actuarial and specialist analysis, advice and assurance.

Our values

In addition to core values of the civil service (integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality), GAD has values of:

  • Agile through technical innovation and flexible working to meet evolving client needs
  • Dedicated to delivering timely advice and first class and cost-effective customer service
  • Expert and focused on quality of analysis to provide robust assurance on decision making
  • Partnering with our clients to understand their business needs and develop solutions that add value for them
  • Trusted to deliver a professional service with integrity

The actuaries’ code

The actuaries’ code sets overriding principles for all members of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

Quality Assurance Scheme

GAD is proud to be accredited under the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries’ Quality Assurance Scheme. QAS is a voluntary accreditation scheme which recognises organisations’ commitments to quality actuarial work. The accreditation process included an independent assessment visit looking at GAD’s approach to quality assurance, conflicts of interest, training and development, speaking up and our relationship with the users of actuarial information.

Technical Actuarial Standards

GAD’s UK work is produced in accordance with the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) Technical Actuarial Standards. The generic TAS standard, TAS 100, applies to all work which meets the FRC’s definition of technical actuarial work. Additional TAS standards apply to specified areas of work, where the FRC has identified particular risks to the public interest.

At GAD, we seek to achieve a high standard in all our work. Even if not formally in scope, we work to the spirit of the TASs to help ensure the quality of our work.

The Civil Service code

The Civil Service code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

Conflicts of interest

We follow the requirements of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries relating to conflicts of interest.

Other guidance

In addition all work will comply with any other relevant standards including those issued by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Where we provide actuarial advice to clients based outside of the UK this will include complying with the requirements of any relevant local actuarial standards and guidance.

There is also GAD internal guidance on specific areas which is available on request.

Previous standards

Details of the standards we have previously applied to our work are available on request.

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