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: 29 July 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 29 July 2026

     Added the document: Model Contract for Special Advisers Updated title of: Model Contract for Special Advisers (July 2024) [Withdrawn] Removed: Model Contract for Special Advisers (December 2023) [Withdrawn]

  2. 6 November 2024

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

  3. 1 December 2023

     Removed the file: Model Contract for Special Advisers (September 2019) [Withdrawn] Added the file: Model Contract for Special Advisers

  4. 21 August 2020

     Addition of document Model Contract for Special Advisers.

  5. 19 September 2019

     Model Contract for Special Advisers added

  6. 19 September 2019

     Special Advisors code of conduct updated

  7. 21 December 2016

     Code of conduct and model contract updated.

  8. 15 October 2015

     Updated Special Advisers' Code of Conduct and model contract.

  9. 23 September 2010

     First published.

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, 122 KB, 10 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible.formats@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Model Contract for Special Advisers (HTML)

HTML

Model Contract for Special Advisers (July 2024) [Withdrawn] (PDF)

PDF, 194 KB, 10 pages

Model Contract for Special Advisers (July 2024) [Withdrawn] (HTML)

HTML

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.