Professional standards for government communicators
Find out how our standards play an important role in department’s leadership teams, support strategy and ensure communications are clear and targeted.
On this page:
- Raising our standards
- Government Functional Standard for Communication (‘GovS011’) Updated in September 2021
- Quality Assurance Framework
- Modern Communications Operating Model (MCOM2.0)
- Guide to campaign planning; OASIS
- Propriety guidance
- Communication practices
Raising our standards
The goal of the Government Communication Service (GCS) is to provide an exceptional standard of professional practice in support of the government, implementing the priorities of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to build a stronger economy, a fairer society, a United Kingdom and a global Britain.
We maintain a suite of professional standards guidance to support and quality assure our work, to make the best standard, and to build a world-class public communications profession, GCS members commit to observing the highest standard of communications practice, professional development and ethics.
Our professional standards include mandatory evaluation of communications activity, and completion of over 4 pieces of professional development during the year, as part of the evaluation framework.
Government Functional Standard (‘GovS011’): Communication
The HM Government Functional Standard for Communication (‘GovS011’), also called Communication Government Functional Standard, gives us a comprehensive baseline for the communications profession, bringing together GCS initiatives ranging from MCOM2.0 to the Professional Assurance (PASS) process for spending and the competency framework.
Communication Government Functional Standard (updated in September 2021)
Quality Assurance Framework
Our Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) brings this together on a single page to show how this works in practice, validating and promoting ‘next level’ excellence in public service communication.
Modern Communications Operating Model (MCOM2.0)
The model sets out the essential skills, capabilities and practices required for an effective public service communications profession and function.
Guide to campaign planning: OASIS
The purpose of this guide for OASIS (Objective, Audience insight, Strategy, Implementation, Scoring/evaluation) is to ensure that all government communications are effective, efficient and evaluated. It will help you develop your plan and structure your thinking.
Propriety guidance
A comprehensive guide on best practice in propriety, made specifically for government communicators.
Communication practices
The communication practices set out GCS guidance covering MCOM disciplines and specific skills.
Crisis communication
Devolution
Accessibility and inclusion
- Accessible communications
- Five principles to make your campaigns more inclusive
- Communicating bilingually (on GOV.UK): guidance for UK Government departments when communicating in Wales
Style guide
- Branding guidelines for HM Government
- Social media playbook (on GOV.UK)
- Style guide (on GOV.UK) for spelling and grammar conventions