A speech by The Queen at the Home Office, 2015
Published
A life of public service is an honourable calling.
To mark the tenth anniversary of the Civil Service Awards, I have come here today to learn more about the important work you all do to support the activity of government in its many different forms. I know that being a member of the Civil Service, and indeed being involved in public service of any sort, is not always an easy task. Even the best public servants cannot hope to be popular with everyone all the time; and - as in every walk of life - there is often room for improvement and finding fresh ways of doing things.
But occasionally it is right that we pause to recognise the vital work being done every day throughout the United Kingdom in the name of public service. From policy makers in Whitehall to public-facing staff across the country, we trust public servants to show integrity, stamina, and selfless duty, as well as essential values such as being fair, keeping one’s word, speaking the truth - even when that truth is unwelcome - and judging every case on its merits, often in trying or pressurised circumstances.
These unwritten but deep-rooted values, nurtured over the 160 years since the modern Civil Service was founded, are the essence of the British spirit of public service, which is recognised throughout the world, and it is important that they continue to be celebrated and encouraged. For instance, a short distance from here, the Westminster Abbey Institute works with public service institutions near and around Parliament Square to deepen thinking about values in public life. And this evening I will meet the finalists of this year’s Civil Service Awards, whose contributions are in areas as diverse as forestry, early years learning, and tackling Ebola.
A life of public service is an honourable calling: you have the opportunity to shape people’s lives, inspire others, and uphold the very highest standards. And so, to all of you here today, and to everyone whose role is to serve the needs of others, I want to say thank you for all that you do.
Related content
A message from Her Majesty The Queen to the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester
The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert. I know I speak...
Updated announcement of a State Visit by the King and Queen of Spain
A message from The Queen on the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge (French)
Nous avons le devoir de nous souvenir et d’honorer Ia mémoire de ceux qui ont servi vaillamment et qui ont tant donné ici, sur la crete de Vimy, et tout au long de la Premiere...
A message from The Queen on the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge
It is our duty to remember and honour those who served so valiantly and who gave so much here at Vimy Ridge and throughout the First World War.
The Queen's message to The President of Colombia, following the flooding and landslides in Mocoa
Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to learn of the devastating flooding and landslides in Mocoa this weekend.
The Queen addresses The Royal Lancers at Windsor Castle
You have established yourselves as a unified Regiment and a force without match
Message to Acting Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service Craig Mackey
My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected by yesterday's awful violence.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visit the Charterhouse's new development in London
28 February 2017A message from The Queen on the sixth anniversary of the Canterbury Earthquake in New Zealand
I hope that the new memorial will provide a place to remember, to grieve for what is lost, and to give thanks for what remains
The Queen's message of condolence to the President of Turkey
Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the wounded, and with the Turkish people at this time.
A message from The Queen to the people of Canada
I am delighted to offer all Canadians my best wishes and congratulations on the 150th anniversary of Confederation
A message from The Queen to the people of Canada (written in French)
C’est un plaisir pour moi de transmettre mes meilleurs voeux et mes félicitations aux Canadiens et Canadiennes à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire de la Confédération
The Christmas Broadcast
A message from Her Majesty The Queen to the people of Barbados on the 50th Anniversary of Independence
Since you became an independent country in 1966, you have continued to flourish and grow into a strong and confident nation.
A speech by Princess Alexandra at a reception to celebrate her Patronages
I am proud to know of the excellent progress you continue to make in the many different fields represented here
Prince Harry announces Royal Household Hospitality scholarships on behalf of The Queen
A speech by Prince Harry on the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy dedication in St Lucia
On behalf of my grandmother, The Queen, I am grateful to the Government and the people of St. Lucia for this most generous contribution.
Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate 60 years of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
24 November 2016The Queen and Prince Michael of Kent celebrate 125 years of Royal Life Saving Society
22 November 2016A message from The Queen to Antigua and Barbuda on its 35th Anniversary of Independence
Prince Philip and I send our warmest wishes to Antigua and Barbuda on the occasion of this celebration to mark 35 years of Independence
A message from The Queen following the earthquakes in New Zealand
I send my condolences to the families of those who were killed and to the people whose homes and businesses have been affected
The Queen’s Speech at the State Banquet in honour of the President of the Republic of Colombia
I am sure of a shared, bright future for both of our countries as long-standing allies working together towards global peace and prosperity