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Burns Commission on Freedom of Information sides against charges for FOI requests, but calls for greater clarity on protecting policy-making
Civil Service World's regular guide to the very best in Whitehallese
A new government, a Spending Review, big-name arrivals and departures – it's been a pretty busy year for Whitehall. As we head into the new year, take a trip down memory lane with CSW's most-read interviews, features and news stories of 2015
With the end of 2015 in sight, we asked Whitehall's top officials to review the year, set out their priorities for 2016 – and shed some light on their festive plans. Department for Culture, Media and Sport permanent secretary Sue Owen, takes part in our biggest-ever perm secs' round-up series...
Political intrigue mixes with personal tragedy in this haunting Edwardian play
Many of the world’s most famous government officials never actually existed. As the legendary crown servant James Bond returns to our screens in Spectre, we profile some more made-up mandarins – and invite you to vote for your favourite. Illustrations by John Levers
Tax may not be high in the YouTube search history of your average teenager, but HMRC's "Tax Facts" campaign has been described as "cheerful and creative". Maureen Pamplin, the tax authority's head of sustainability, shares her tips on how departments can engage the public – without dumbing down
The official view: former transport minister Stephen Hammond rates the civil service
Jess Bowie breaks bread with the outspoken chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Prime minister urges Whitehall officials to make communications "brief, simple, human and jargon-free"
Ahead of Wednesday's budget, here's CSW's round-up of the civil service in the news, including the latest on possible job cuts, and a memo from the HMRC's Lin Homer on the latest "disappointing" demand for new savings
Fretting about tomorrow’s front pages, dealing with Downing Street, and letting the policy team down gently – former press officer Dunstan Hadley reveals what it’s really like working in government comms
Civil servants want to see a light at the end of the tunnel, not five more years of the same, argues the FDA union's general secretary Dave Penman
Changes to civil service media rules dreamt up in Whitehall look very different to officials on the frontline, argues FDA union general secretary Dave Penman
Mayor of London Boris Johnson says officials understand the difference between 'helping' and 'undermining' impartiality with media contact
Public Administration Select Committee attacks Treasury decision to publish letter on sharing the pound with an independent Scotland, and warns Scottish government's own 'White Paper' too political