Join the GCS community with GCS Connect, which brings together communication professionals working in government.
Benefits
As a member of GCS, you can register for GCS Connect to access:
- collaboration and networking opportunities via the directory: be part of a community of 7,000 communicators in government. Get the ability to find colleagues in different departments and help deliver government priorities.
- exclusive content: such as publications, frameworks, documents, news and updates to help you in your role.
- training: option to book live sessions or online courses on communication skills such as strategy and digital communication.
- flexible learning: learn at your own pace with exclusive on-demand learning such as webinars, podcasts and frameworks.
- event access: attend comms exchanges and virtual calls across government.
- accreditation: in the future, Connect will help the communication profession plan for accreditation.
If you have any questions about GCS Connect or would like to get in touch, please contact: gcs.connect@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Eligibility and membership types
All professional communicators who work in organisations listed on GOV.UK are eligible. The GCS membership types are as follows.
Core membership
Communication professionals working in central government in a professional communication role, managed by a Director of Communication or equivalent, in:
- a ministerial department
- a non-ministerial department
- an arm's length body
- an agency or other public bodies
- high profile groups. (These will need to select their parent department. More info about these groups.)
Associate membership
Communication professionals working in:
- high profile groups. (These will need to select their agency or other public body.)
- devolved administrations (Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish government, Welsh government)
OR
Civil servants:
- interested in communication, but not currently in a communication role managed by a director of communication or equivalent.
Members from high profiles groups will be assigned membership type (Core or Associate) based on the type of government organisation they are registering from.
How to join GCS Connect
- Register with GCS Connect, then sign out.
- Sign in to the GCS website.
- Join the directory and engage with colleagues.
- Start your on-demand learning.
- Book live training.
If you have not received your verification link within 24 hours, as part of the registration process, please contact: gcs.connect@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
What to do if your email address is not recognised
Registration is only open to the UK public sector and you must use your gov.uk or equivalent work email address to register. Registrations made with personal or non-public sector emails will be rejected.
Email domains, the bit after @, must be explicitly added to an approved list. Some domains may have been missed out if they do not end with "@organisation.gov.uk". These may be added so that access can be granted, by submitting a request to gcs.connect@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Access for communication professionals in devolved administrations
If you work in a devolved administration, in a communication role, you will have access to:
- public online resources
- guidance
- case studies
- a selection of on-demand learning
This does not include access to:
- live training
- career development programmes
- learning assessment and future accreditation opportunities
Access for non-communication professionals
As a non-communication professional you can register:
- if your email criteria meet our requirements
- if you are interested in the communication profession but you are not currently working in UK Government communication
You will have access to:
- public online resources
- guidance
- case studies
- a selection of on-demand learning
This does not include access to:
- all on-demand learning
- live training
- career development programmes
- learning assessment and future accreditation opportunities