The government announced on 21 July 2025 that ACOBA will close and that its functions will be transferred as of 13 October 2025.

Interim arrangements

After Friday 12 September, if you have an application to submit for advice you should use the relevant instructions below:

Former ministers should submit applications to: the office of the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards at ind.adviser.BARS@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Applications from former senior civil servants at director general level and above (SCS3/equivalent and above) should be submitted via their department to: the Civil Service Commission at bars@csc.gov.uk

Applications from the most senior special advisers (PB4 and equivalent) should be submitted via the department to: the Civil Service Commission at bars@csc.gov.u

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