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Public officials have been warned not to abuse e-mail systems, after two high-profile investigations into staff conduct. Cabinet secretary and head of the Home Civil Service, Sir Gus O'Donnell, was forced to tighten the rules governing special advisers after a ‘clear and serious breach' by Number 10 aide, Damian McBride. Sir Gus condemned the spin doctor, who sent e-mails to Labour Party adviser, Derek Draper, plotting a smear campaign against senior Conservative MPs, for acting inappropriately. ‘What happened constituted a clear and serious breach of the Code of conduct for special advisers,' he said. ‘It cannot be and has not been tolerated.' Sir Gus has written to all permanent secretaries informing them of an update to the code of conduct. He added: ‘It has been made specifically clear that special advisers will automatically be dismissed if they are ever found to be preparing and disseminating inappropriate material.' The work of political advisers has long been a source of tension, at both central and local government levels, since the nature of their work is partisan. But there is also rising concern that official e-mail systems are open to abuse by staff. It was also disclosed last week that 14 staff at Lancashire CC had been suspended while an investigation is carried out into allegations that racist e-mails were sent internally. Council chief executive, Ged Fitzgerald, said: ‘We believe all staff have a duty to use e-mail in a responsible manner.' Maintaining ethical standards is only one part of the problem. Compromising security and privacy is also a concern, with individuals sending sensitive information outside their organisations. Adding to the pressure is that public bodies could be forced to disclose the contents of e-mails through either the Freedom of Information Act or legal injunction. An LGA spokesman told The MJ that communications should meet high standards expected by the public of those working in Government at all levels. ‘Any e-mail which is written by someone, whether an officer, policy adviser or councillor should be seen as a public document – and treated as such,' he said.

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WHITEHALL

Abuse cases prompt Sir Gus warning over e-mail

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