First Chief Executive for the Government Communication Service announced
The Government has appointed Simon Baugh as the first Chief Executive for the Government Communication Service (GCS).
Simon brings a wealth of experience having served as Director of Communications at the Home Office, Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU), and Department for Transport (Dft), with twenty years’ experience in strategy and communications roles in the public and private sectors.
Simon will provide strong leadership to the Government communications profession as we Build Back Better from coronavirus and deliver an ambitious programme of government across a range of policy areas from COP26 to the Levelling Up agenda.
The GCS is the professional body for people working in communication roles across government. It brings together professional communicators across 350 departments and agencies with the experience and skills to help Ministers communicate policies to the public and drive behaviour change in support of its objectives.
Alex Chisholm, Civil Service Chief Operating Officer & Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary, said:
“I’m delighted to announce Simon Baugh as the Chief Executive of the Government Communication Service. Simon has the skill set and experience to build on the fantastic work delivered by the communications profession throughout the pandemic, as well as the determination to drive forward the important reforms that are needed to make sure the GCS continues to deliver for the public.
“I would like to take the opportunity to recognise Alex Aiken for his leadership of the service for close to ten years. I personally thank him for his extraordinary contribution to government communications and expertly leading the function throughout the unprecedented communications challenges of the pandemic and kicking off the ambitious Reshaping GCS transformation programme.
“I am pleased to confirm that Alex will continue in his role as Executive Director, and as a senior leader in the Government Communication Service, supporting the transition period with the new CEO. Alex will be leading the Government’s vital communications work on priority areas that include the Union, Security and International issues.”
Simon Baugh, Chief Executive of the Government Communication Service said:
“I am hugely honoured to have been appointed to the new role of Chief Executive of the Government Communication Service. Having worked in three government departments I know we have some of the most brilliant, innovative and hard-working people across UK communications. My role is to make sure the GCS continues to help people do amazing work that builds public confidence and delivers positive change.
“My focus will be on how we continuously improve the work we do for Ministers and the public, develop the talent, skills and capability we need for the future, and create a positive culture where everyone can flourish.”
“I want to take forward the Reshaping GCS programme with a positive vision of how change can help GCS members in their roles, deliver better more joined-up communications, and provide value for taxpayers.”
- Image credit:
- Simon Baugh (1)