National School of Government
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PLAIN ENGLISH AWARD FOR NATIONAL SCHOOL

The National School of Government has been named as a winner of the prestigious 'Inside Write’ awards for its new induction booklet 'Joining the Civil Service'. Published in October 2007, the booklet is already in great demand across government organisations.

Hosted by the Plain English Campaign, the awards recognise organisations and individuals who have made an effort to present themselves using clear and concise English. In making the award, judges described the booklet as "extremely helpful and informative", and "a 'must have' for anyone considering a job working for government."

Collecting the award from comedian and actor Lenny Henry at the Plain English Awards annual ceremony in London, the booklet's author Christopher Jary commented: "I wanted to write induction guidance that would make sense to everybody entering the Civil Service – from school leavers to senior appointments from industry, whether they’re working in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh or Stormont or in a Jobcentre in Warrington or Exeter. This award suggests that we may have succeeded, and I'm thrilled that the booklet has been recognised in this way."

'Joining the Civil Service' – which entered a second print run shortly after publication – explains simply and clearly what the Civil Service is, what civil servants do, and how and why they do it. A useful accompaniment to departmental or agency induction material for recruits at all grades and in all kinds of work, the book answers the kind of questions every new recruit needs to ask.

Topics include:

• Departments and Agencies
• Grades and hierarchies
• Professional values and ethics
• Pay, performance and promotion
• Gaining experience
• Training, development and educational opportunities
• Change and reform in the Civil Service
• Serving the public, Ministers and Parliament.

'Joining the Civil Service' is priced at £7.50 per copy (including postage and packing), with discounts available for multiple copies. To place an order contact Janis Jones on 01344 634380 (Janis.jones@nationalschool.gsi.gov.uk). A sample chapter is available on the National School website (www.nationalschool.gov.uk/cwmp/books.asp).


Notes for editors

1. As the Government’s centre of excellence for learning and development, the National School of Government became a separate government department in January 2007. It strives to ensure the highest professional and academic standards in public service organisational and people development. Visit www.nationalschool.gov.uk for more information.

2. The National School created its Centre for Working with Ministers and Parliament in 2007 to give civil servants the skills, confidence and understanding to provide a high quality service to Ministers and Parliament. It offers training programmes, consultancy and e-learning and books, all based on the National School’s unique insight and access to government. Visit www.nationalschool.gov.uk/cwmp for more information.

3. For more information about the Inside Write Awards, visit http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/insidewrite.htm.

For media enquiries, please contact Rob Reynolds, National School of Government; email: rob.reynolds@nationalschool.gsi.gov.uk; tel 01344 634145; m 07881 518719, or Chris Blunkell, Media Associate; email: chris.blunkell@btinternet.com; tel: 01227 772747; m 07941 831341.

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