Communications

Sir David Norgrove slaps down foreign secretary for "clear misuse of officials statistics"

Amber Rudd responds to call from statistics chief to follow ONS in scrapping system that allows select people to preview official figures

IfG review on boosting cross-government functions highlighted civil service 'must tackle perception that policy trumps specialisms' for career progression

Independent adviser also calls for consultation to be reopened because of impact of snap general election

Prime minister denies claim she refused to use 'inconvenient' reports while home secretary

New investigatory powers commissioner begins role inspecting use of state surveillance by public authorities

UK statistics chief Sir David Norgrove hits out at Home Office over “damaging” leak of student migration figures to media, in letter also copied to Sir Jeremy Heywood

Government Communications Service sets out role of departments in supporting government priorities, including getting greatest possible public support for EU exit deal

Chapman, who has called for the creation of a new centrist party, says Treasury staff “could be running any multinational company they wanted”

Transport agency launches new campaign after torrent of abuse, including lorry drivers trying to run enforcement cars off the road

New plan will be published in addition to long-awaited strategy for the civil service, Cabinet Office  minister Chris Skidmore tells CSW

The former DWP permanent secretary argues for a return to civility in the corridors of power, and offers his tips for preventing the ascendance of overmighty special advisers whose presence crushes open debate and discussion

The run up to an election creates time to review what Whitehall comms projects have gone well and to learn lessons that can be used with the incoming government

Cabinet Office summons Google to answer concerns over video-sharing subsidiary

International trade secretary's warning comes after reports officials in his department were dismissive of Commonwealth trade plan

Tory former Cabinet Office heavyweight heaps praise on staff at the centre of government – but hits out at civil service churn, the quality of advice, and the skills valued in line departments

 Statements and press releases gave misleading picture of reduction in homelessness, the UK Statistics Authority finds, because press and policy teams failed to consult with statisticians before publication

New report from cross-party group of MPs highlights risks to shake up of police, ambulance and fire service comms — but praises low leadership churn at the Home Office

First woman to serve as the PM's spokesperson is heading to the Foreign Office

Department for Exiting the European Union department offers up to £90,000 for candidate with “exceptional judgement” tasked with delivering a “coherent narrative”

New Government Digital Service research reveals that 73% of online content is looked at by fewer than 10 people a month

"Anyone found to have leaked sensitive information will be dismissed even where there is no compromise of national security," Heywood tells departmental chiefs

With the end of 2016 fast approaching, we asked the UK's top civil servants to look back at the year, outline their goals for 2017 – and shed some light on their festive favourites. This list will be updated throughout December, so check back regularly!

MP calls for further investigation into a contract between UKTI and a consultancy firm which was cancelled after officials raised concerns over invoicing