§ 17. Mr. SheermanTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to improve the communication skills of public servants. [39806]
§ Mr. KilfoyleThe Government recognise the importance of ensuring that civil servants are skilled communicators. The Investors in People standard, which all Civil Service departments and agencies are aiming to achieve by the year 2000, recognises communication as a core organisational skill. In departments' and agencies' performance management systems, communication is a key competence at all levels. Additionally, my department facilitates a network for internal communication specialists.