This report examines the operational and constitutional relationship between government ministers and civil servants, including the issues of ministerial and civil service accountability, the role of ministers in making appointments and the position of special advisers, and whether it is time to give the civil service a proper constitutional footing. It considers what is meant by politicisation, whether politicisation is an entirely negative phenomenon, and, if it is not, what kinds of politicisation would be appropriate in the UK. The Committee notes that the UK civil service in held in high regard, both at home and abroad, and that it is essential that the governing relationship is kept in good repair for effective government and proper accountability. Recent difficulties have highlighted long-standing concerns about the way in which responsibility and accountability are divided in the UK political system, and the report proposes a number of steps aimed at contributing to its good working in combining an independent civil service with political accountability for its operation. Amongst the 27 conclusions and recommendations made, the report calls for a new "public service bargain" underpinned by a governance code which seeks to clarify the respective responsibilities and expectations of ministers and civil servants, including the need for a Civil Service Act to clarify the constitutional position of the civil service.