Ruby Wax trains Home Office staff

Civil servants have been getting tips on how to bring humour into their jobs from Ruby Wax.

The Home Office has been criticised for spending money on 12 half-day workshops for senior staff involving the comedian, who has developed a second career as a business motivator in recent years.

In the sessions, Wax tries to demonstrate the difference between talking at someone rather than with someone and tells managers how to be more aware of their colleagues and how to present a more human face using ‘humour, empathy and honesty’.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne told The Times: ‘At a time when public finances are under huge strain, we surely do not need to pay celebrities to wax lyrical to mandarins.

‘Unless American comedians can make the Home Office fit for purpose, the taxpayer won't be laughing.’

But a spokesman said: ‘The Home Office is committed to providing our staff with the best training possible, while ensuring value for money.

‘This course is designed to help equip senior staff with the skills needed to engage effectively with the public and other stakeholders to achieve our aim of working together to protect the public.’

Published: 22 Mar 2010