About the Civil Service

Cross-departmental working

The Compact has been developed by HM Treasury and Cabinet Office following their Capability Review, to set out how the 'centre' will work in future with other departments. It sets minimum expectations for behaviour for staff at all levels in both Cabinet Office and HM Treasury and in other departments.

The two departments have developed the document together, with input from across Whitehall. The Compact has been approved by the Boards of both Cabinet Office and Treasury; the Civil Service Steering Board; and signed by Sir Gus O'Donnell and Sir Nick Macpherson.

Departments will now embed the Compact in how they work, especially when interacting with colleagues in other departments.