What does 'free and frank' mean in practice?

What’s the issue?

If you’re a public servant, being ‘free and frank’ is an incredibly important part of the job. It means giving advice that is clear about pros and cons, doesn’t get political, doesn’t try to push the Minister in your preferred direction, and doesn’t shy away from hard truths.

Of course, the very things that make being free and frank important also make it hard. Ministers often don’t like bad news, or hearing that their favourite idea might be a flop. Free and frankness has to be done carefully.

Why does it matter?

Without free and frank advice, Ministers can’t do their job well: taking good decisions. That exposes them to the risk of judicial review.

Ministers won’t always take officials’ advice, and they can choose to pursue bad ideas – that’s democracy. But if you’ve given your best advice, then you’ve done your bit. Your next job will be to carry out your Minister’s decision, whatever it may be, to a high standard.

What’s the solution?

Being free and frank is more of an art than a science. Watching senior leaders in action is a great way to learn – and Andrew Kibblewhite’s speech, Free, frank and other f-words, offers some great insights. Whatever level you’re at in your career, make sure you’ve read this guidance from Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission. It’s a great introduction to the basics!