Government & Democracy
The Civil Service
Civil servants are people who help the government to develop and carry out its policies and to run public services. They are chosen on merit and are politically neutral — they are not appointed by ministers.
Key facts
- ◆ Civil servants must be politically neutral and professional.
- ◆ They serve the government of the day, whichever party is in power.
- ◆ They are chosen on merit, not appointed by ministers.
- ◆ They help run public services and deliver government policy.