WIREDGOV

Help is at hand with induction for entrants to the Civil Service, thanks to a National School of Government handbook now available to Government Departments and Agencies.

‘Joining the Civil Service’, written by Christopher Jary, explains simply and clearly what the Civil Service is, what civil servants do, and how and why they do it. He explains: “Joining any new organisation is a challenge, and joining one as large, diverse and complex as the Civil Service can be overwhelming. I hope this book will make it a little easier.”

A useful accompaniment to formal induction materials for recruits at all grades and in all kinds of work, the book answers the kind of questions every new entrant 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.

A civil servant for 30 years, Christopher Jary has run employment benefit offices, worked on the development of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), headed a secretariat responsible for his Department’s ministerial and parliamentary business, and written speeches for a Cabinet Minister. He has authored another handbook - ‘Working with Ministers’ - and is currently head of the National School’s Centre for Working with 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 at http://www.nationalschool.gov.uk/cwmp/books.asp .


Notes to 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 earlier this year to give civil servants the skills, confidence and understanding to provide a high quality service to Ministers and Parliament. It offers training programmes, consultancy, e-learning and books, all based on the National School’s unique access and insight into government. Visit www.nationalschool.gov.uk/cwmp  for more information.

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.