TY - CHAP
T1 - UK government communication
T2 - From evolution to revolution
AU - Gregory, Anne
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 selection and editorial matter, Anastasios Theofilou and Martina Topić; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.
PY - 2025/2/4
Y1 - 2025/2/4
N2 - This chapter takes an overview of the development of the UK Government Communication Service (GCS), touching briefly on its origins but mainly focusing on the changes that have taken place in the last 25 years. It argues that after a slow, revolutionary start, there is now revolutionary change, which has transformed the service from one characterised by well-intentioned amateurism to one of professional proficiency. The chapter chronicles the main events and political contexts that have shaped government communication over the last seven decades and contends that they can be categorised into six distinct periods, each with their own specific characteristics. There are a number of themes that remain constant throughout: a recurring battle to remain free from politicisation; steady progress towards closer coordination of communication activity by government departments and the ‘centre’ (Cabinet Office); a shift to a more marketing-based model of communication and the ongoing drive to professionalise the service through professional development, which has become increasingly structured over time. The result is that GCS is now recognised as a global leader in government communication and, rather than being seen to be lagging behind the private sector, now has much to teach it.
AB - This chapter takes an overview of the development of the UK Government Communication Service (GCS), touching briefly on its origins but mainly focusing on the changes that have taken place in the last 25 years. It argues that after a slow, revolutionary start, there is now revolutionary change, which has transformed the service from one characterised by well-intentioned amateurism to one of professional proficiency. The chapter chronicles the main events and political contexts that have shaped government communication over the last seven decades and contends that they can be categorised into six distinct periods, each with their own specific characteristics. There are a number of themes that remain constant throughout: a recurring battle to remain free from politicisation; steady progress towards closer coordination of communication activity by government departments and the ‘centre’ (Cabinet Office); a shift to a more marketing-based model of communication and the ongoing drive to professionalise the service through professional development, which has become increasingly structured over time. The result is that GCS is now recognised as a global leader in government communication and, rather than being seen to be lagging behind the private sector, now has much to teach it.
KW - UK Government Communication Service (GCS)
KW - government departments
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85215244891&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - https://www.routledge.com/Histories-of-Political-Public-Relations-From-Propaganda-to-Public-Health/Theofilou-Topic/p/book/9781032500911
U2 - 10.4324/9781003397199-4
DO - 10.4324/9781003397199-4
M3 - Chapter
AN - SCOPUS:85215244891
SN - 9781032500911
SP - 42
EP - 53
BT - Histories of Political Public Relations
A2 - Theofilou, Anastasios
A2 - Topić, Martina
PB - Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
ER -