10 things most civil servants want campaigners to know, but can't say…

Civil servants are impartial and, in my experience, very polite. Here are some things they might want to say to you if they unleashed their true feelings:

1. We are already aware of this problem. Do you have any solutions?
2. Time spent in meetings is time not spent working on the things you’re asking for.
3. If you’d shared what you wanted to talk about in advance we could have reduced the size of this meeting by four officials and brought along the right person.
4. This is only one area of [six] that I cover.
5. We are at the mercy of political will too, you know.
6. There's rarely any money available.
7. It's not my decision to make so please don't expect an answer from me right now.
8. Don't tell me how awful the Government are, this is your chance to make a constructive contribution.
9. If you share this on social media we will be much more cagey with you next time.
10. It will make me look good if I can mention to a Minister that I’ve met with you, so please give me something interesting to say.

Civil servants genuinely want to engage with charities and organisations and hear what they have to say - it's a vital part of making good policy. The more you give them what they need, the more likely you'll have the impact you want.

If you need help engaging with civil servants, here’s how to get in touch.