Written questions

Special Advisers

Commons · Question 20947 · Tabled 28 Aug 2026 · Cabinet Office · Official record

Answered 23 Sep 2026

Question

Asked by Mike Wood

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether departmental special advisers can use the title chief of staff; and what guidance has been given by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to special advisers on directing (a) civil servants and (b

Answer

Answered by Mark Ferguson, 23 Sep 2026

Lead special advisers in departments may be titled ‘Chief of Staff’. As per the Special Adviser Code of Conduct, Special advisers’ are not permitted to exercise any power in relation to the management of any part of the Civil Service, except in relation t...