Tuesday 20 Nov 2007 @ 16:38
FDA
FDA
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Revenue chief’s decision to step down is display of public service at its best
Commenting on today’s decision by the Chairman of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to step down, Jonathan Baume, general secretary of the FDA, the union for senior public servants, said:
"There has been a serious operational error, which should not have occurred. Paul Gray was in no way personally responsible, but he has recognised that, as the most senior official in the department, the accountability ultimately lies with him. His decision to take on this accountability is an example of British public service at its best.
"We believe that public trust in the civil service and the wider public services is best maintained where there is clear and transparent accountability, and when things go wrong the public wants to understand where this lies. These are always complex issues, but on this occasion the FDA accepts Mr Gray’s judgement that accountability must rest with him. Mr Gray’s decision to step down in these circumstances reflects his high level of personal integrity.
"We greatly regret Mr Gray’s departure. He has a very distinguished record of achievement in the civil service and has recently played a critical role in building a successful new department, following the merger of the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise. We wish this fine public servant the very best for the future.”
Notes for Editors
1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing 17,000 of the UK’s senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors who are represented by the Association of Revenue and Customs, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, diplomats, crown prosecutors and NHS managers.
2. The FDA (formerly the First Division Association) should be referred to simply as "The FDA" and can be described as "the senior public servants’ union".
3. For further information contact:
• Jonathan Baume, General Secretary, 020 7401 5555 or 07976 951191.
• Paul Whiteman, FDA HMRC lead official, 020 7401 5555 or 07967 185356
• Oliver Rowe, Communications Officer, tel: 020 7401 5588 or 07751 366680.
"There has been a serious operational error, which should not have occurred. Paul Gray was in no way personally responsible, but he has recognised that, as the most senior official in the department, the accountability ultimately lies with him. His decision to take on this accountability is an example of British public service at its best.
"We believe that public trust in the civil service and the wider public services is best maintained where there is clear and transparent accountability, and when things go wrong the public wants to understand where this lies. These are always complex issues, but on this occasion the FDA accepts Mr Gray’s judgement that accountability must rest with him. Mr Gray’s decision to step down in these circumstances reflects his high level of personal integrity.
"We greatly regret Mr Gray’s departure. He has a very distinguished record of achievement in the civil service and has recently played a critical role in building a successful new department, following the merger of the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise. We wish this fine public servant the very best for the future.”
Notes for Editors
1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing 17,000 of the UK’s senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors who are represented by the Association of Revenue and Customs, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, diplomats, crown prosecutors and NHS managers.
2. The FDA (formerly the First Division Association) should be referred to simply as "The FDA" and can be described as "the senior public servants’ union".
3. For further information contact:
• Jonathan Baume, General Secretary, 020 7401 5555 or 07976 951191.
• Paul Whiteman, FDA HMRC lead official, 020 7401 5555 or 07967 185356
• Oliver Rowe, Communications Officer, tel: 020 7401 5588 or 07751 366680.
