Special advisers

Definition

Special advisers are politically appointed individuals who provide support and advice to government ministers, often bringing specific expertise or political insights to their roles. They play a crucial part in the decision-making processes of government and help to communicate policies effectively, often acting as a bridge between the minister and the civil service.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Special advisers are not career civil servants; they are appointed for their political connections or expertise, often coming from backgrounds in politics, media, or academia.
2. Their roles can include drafting speeches, shaping policy proposals, and ensuring that government communications align with the minister's agenda.
3. Special advisers have the authority to interact directly with civil servants, facilitating the flow of information between politicians and the administrative body.
4. There is no formal limit to the number of special advisers a minister can appoint, although this has been a point of contention in discussions about accountability and transparency.
5. The influence of special advisers can vary greatly depending on the minister's management style and the political context, sometimes leading to tensions within government departments.

Review Questions

• How do special advisers interact with civil servants and what impact does this have on government decision-making?
  • Special advisers act as intermediaries between government ministers and civil servants, facilitating communication and ensuring that political priorities are conveyed effectively. This interaction allows special advisers to influence the direction of policy development by providing political insights that may not be apparent to career civil servants. Their involvement can enhance decision-making processes by bringing in new ideas but can also create tension if there are conflicting priorities between political objectives and civil service protocols.
• Evaluate the role of special advisers in shaping government policy and their accountability compared to civil servants.
  • Special advisers play a significant role in shaping government policy by providing specialized knowledge and political acumen that can influence decisions made at the highest levels. Unlike civil servants, who are expected to remain neutral and accountable to the public service ethos, special advisers operate within a more politicized framework, raising questions about their accountability. This dynamic creates an environment where the lines between impartial governance and political maneuvering can become blurred, leading to calls for greater transparency regarding their roles.
• Assess the potential challenges that arise from having special advisers in government roles, particularly regarding transparency and public trust.
  • The presence of special advisers in government roles can present challenges related to transparency and public trust. As they often operate behind the scenes, there may be concerns about how their advice influences policy decisions without sufficient oversight. This lack of visibility can lead to skepticism among the public regarding the motives behind certain policies or actions taken by government ministers. Furthermore, when special advisers are seen as having undue influence over civil service operations, it can erode confidence in the impartiality of governmental processes, making it essential to establish clear guidelines for their engagement.

Related terms

civil service: The body of government employees who are appointed based on merit rather than political affiliation, responsible for implementing government policies.

political appointee: An individual selected by a government official to fill a role within the administration, typically aligned with the official's political views and agenda.

policy adviser: A professional who provides guidance and analysis on specific policy issues, often working closely with ministers and special advisers.