Guidance

Special advisers: code of conduct

The special advisers' code of conduct sets out guidance for rules and work.

• From: Cabinet Office
• Published: 23 September 2010
• Last updated: 6 November 2024 — See all updates

Documents

Code of Conduct for Special Advisers (PDF)

PDF, 141 KB, 8 pages

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Code of Conduct for Special Advisers (HTML)

HTML

Model Contract for Special Advisers (PDF)

PDF, 194 KB, 10 pages

Model Contract for Special Advisers (HTML)

HTML

Model Contract for Special Advisers (December 2023) [Withdrawn]

PDF, 166 KB, 9 pages

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Details

Code of conduct

Employing special advisers adds a political dimension to the advice and assistance available to ministers while reinforcing the political impartiality of the permanent Civil Service by distinguishing the source of political advice and support. The Special Advisers’ Code of Conduct sets out guidance for rules and work in this area of work.

Published 23 September 2010

Last updated 6 November 2024 + show all updates

1. 6 November 2024

   Replaced the following documents with their updated versions: Code of Conduct for Special Advisers Model Contract for Special Advisers

2. 1 December 2023

   Removed the file: Model Contract for Special Advisers (September 2019) [Withdrawn] Added the file: Model Contract for Special Advisers

3. 21 August 2020

   Addition of document Model Contract for Special Advisers.

4. 19 September 2019

   Model Contract for Special Advisers added

5. 19 September 2019

   Special Advisors code of conduct updated

6. 21 December 2016

   Code of conduct and model contract updated.

7. 15 October 2015

   Updated Special Advisers' Code of Conduct and model contract.

8. 23 September 2010

   First published.