21419 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister responsible for Ministerial Services

21419 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister responsible for Ministerial Services: What training, if any, was provided to staff in the Minister's office regarding the handling of sensitive information, and did the training contain information warning against the use of personal emails in conducting work-related business?

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon: As part of their employment documentation, staff based in Minster’s offices are required to read and sign the ‘Security requirements for handling classified information in Ministerial offices.’ Learning modules covering information management, privacy and security are provided to all staff employed by Ministerial Services when they join the Department and annually thereafter. The modules are also provided to Home Agency staff seconded to Ministers offices. The Information Management module covers using the Ministers shared mailbox for emails for work purposes. In addition, Ministerial Services provide written guidance to senior private secretaries titled ‘Managing your Minister’s information: a guide for new Senior Private Secretaries.’ The material covers security requirements for handling classified information and where and how to store Minister’s information. There is a specific guide titled ‘How to manage your emails’ included. The staff parliamentary intranet ‘Our House’ also has detailed content on information security, use and storage. I am advised that the Cabinet Office, a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, delivers an induction programme for Private Secretaries, including Private Secretaries to me, which covers the handling of sensitive information.