Impartiality and objectivity must be applied rigorously

The Head of the Civil Service, Sir Gus O'Donnell, has sent a reply to Annabel Goldie following her letter questioning the impartiality and conduct of the Civil Service.

In a letter of response, Annabel Goldie MSP wrote:

Dear Sir Gus,

Re: The Civil Service code for Scotland

I have received your letter and we are concerned as to your position with regard to our original correspondence.

Your assertion that it is 'absolutely essential' that all the work of the civil service is carried out within the principles of the Civil Service Code is a position that I and my colleagues completely agree with. However we are concerned that Sir Peter Housden's actions have not fallen within these guidelines.

It is clear to even the most dispassionate of readers that Sir Peter was promoting his personal opinions, and at no point did he mention that he was passing on the views of Ministers.

It is not 'relevant support to Minsters' to suggest to civil servants that they spend their free time visiting a play about the occupation of Scotland in reference to speaking to 'our present condition as a nation.'

Furthermore, the comments made by Sir Peter go well beyond even the broadest definition of 'support' for ministers. His communications were unsolicited, were made in a semi-public forum and do not fall under the definition of advice to ministers.

As such, they are not subject to the exemptions under freedom of information legislation and I would request that all past and future communications of this nature are published in a public forum so as further scrutiny can be applied.

If the criteria of impartiality and objectivity are to have any credibility they must be seen to be applied rigorously.

Yours Sincerely,

Annabel M Goldie

Scottish Conservative Leader

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