The Government Information Service provides information to the public about government departments and services. Queries range from simple requests for contact details of particular government departments to more complex requests such as information relating to public services such as licensing, cultural

activities and application forms for courses or services. The Government Information Service is governed by a Quality Service Charter. Employees are committed to answer calls promptly and courteously, and to provide accurate and up-to-date information. Detailed information which cannot be given on the phone is sent by post, email or fax on the same day it is required.

The Government Information Service is able to answer most public queries using information from an extensive database about government services which it built up and maintains. Clients requesting more specialised information than the service can provide directly are given the contact details of the department concerned or of the person who would be able to answer their query.

Calls to Freephone 153 can be made from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm during most of the year and between 8am and 1.30pm in summer from both fixed lines and mobile phones. After office hours messages can be left on an answering machine and these are dealt with on the next working day. Information can also be requested by email on [email protected]