How to be a Civil Servant: Westminster Explained

Over 7,000 new entrants to the Civil Service have read this book since it was first published in 2000.  This fully updated fifth edition was published in 2024.  It brings together a wide range of practical advice and information in an easily accessible form.  It is a must-read for newly appointed Whitehall civil servants and for those looking to enter the profession – not to mention students, academics, journalists, politicians and anyone with an interest in the inner workings of British government.

This was the first ever guide to working in the higher levels of the civil service, and it remains the only comprehensive guide to how Whitehall civil servants should effectively carry out their duties, hone their communication skills and respond to professional, ethical and technical issues relevant to the job.  Its contents include working with Ministers, professional skills such as submitting advice and drafting speeches, the policy process and civil service ethics.

Here are the chapters:-
1.  Working with Ministers
2.  Professional Skills
3.  The Policy Process
4.  Civil Service Ethics
5.  Leadership and Management
6.  Innovation and Project Management
7.  Personal Effectiveness
Annex.  Ministerial Correspondence

Reviewers have been very complimentary: 

• "It is the best explanation of Whitehall you'll find anywhere.
• Fantastic Insight - A beautifully written glimpse of what life is like for civil servants.  An essential read for all those looking to embark on a career in politics. 
• Martin's experience as a senior civil servant provides practical insights into an often inaccessible world!  Relevant way beyond those in the civil service.
• By far the most practical guide to how to do policy-making in the civil service.
• A masterpiece."

You can read other reviews here.