Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether departmental special advisers can use the title chief of staff; and what guidance has been given by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to special advisers on directing (a) civil servants and (b) other special advisers.

Lead special advisers in departments may be titled ‘Chief of Staff’.

As per the Special Adviser Code of Conduct, Special advisers’ are not permitted to exercise any power in relation to the management of any part of the Civil Service, except in relation to another special adviser.