CCCB18A01 Provision of Press Office Services

Tender description

It is necessary to retain press support that is independent of government and our sponsoring department (Cabinet Office) as the three bodies supported either regulate or interpret government policy. At times it is necessary to publically voice concerns about those policies or to disagree with the government and/or civil service. There is an on-going need for press office support to either one or more of the bodies, however time demand varies week to week including out of hours cover. Specialist media handling skills are crucial and this service has historically been provided under Contract. It is not feasible to employ a senior part-time press officer on the basis of 24/7 cover where hours worked in any period are not regular or consistent. Similarly the provision of holiday/absence cover would require a second suitably qualified member of staff, which would be unaffordable. The inability to respond effectively to media requests or emerging stories would risk damage to the reputation of the relevant body and lay the government open to criticism on some key proprietary and standards safeguards.