The government announced on 21 July 2025 that ACOBA will close and that its functions will be transferred as of 13 October 2025.
ArrangementsInterim following ACOBA’s closurearrangements
AsAfter ofFriday 1312 OctoberSeptember, ACOBAif isyou closed. Its functions have beenan transferred.
Inapplication order to receivesubmit advice under the government’s Business Appointment Rules, or for enquiriesadvice pertainingyou toshould theuse Rules, please follow the relevant instructions below:
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Former ministers should submit applications and enquiries to: the office of the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards at ind.adviser.BARS@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
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Applications andfrom enquiriesformer fromsenior Crowncivil servants at director general level (SCS3 and equivalent)above and(SCS3/equivalent above, and specialabove) advisersshould atbe PB4submitted andvia equivalenttheir shoulddepartment beto: submittedthe toCivil theirService department’sCommission HRat inbars@csc.gov.uk
Applications from the firstmost instance.senior Completedspecial applicationsadvisers (PB4 and equivalent) should be sentsubmitted via the department toto: the Civil Service Commission at bars@csc.gov.uk
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Applications from other senior Crown servants, for example members of the military and diplomatic services, should be submitted via the department to: acoba@acoba.gov.uk for further information.
From 13 October ACOBA will no longer make decisions on your application. If you have a live application for consideration with ACOBA in doubt,the lead up to this date, ACOBA will be in contact with you directly to discuss the handling of your departmentapplication.
Please incontact the firstteam instance.on acoba@acoba.gov.uk and 020 7271 0839 if you have any questions about this transition.
