Overview

• New Cabinet Office rules are in force across departments, requiring a senior civil servant to approve any staff network event before planning begins.
• Events should take place outside working hours, with limited exceptions for activities that directly benefit the organisation such as learning and development, which require a line manager’s approval to attend during work time.
• The guidance reiterates that networks must remain impartial and not attempt to influence government policy, with possible disciplinary action for breaches and the option to suspend or cease non-compliant networks.
• The policy follows media scrutiny of events including HMRC’s planned ‘Guilt of Being British’ seminar and a Ministry of Defence vegetarian and vegan conference proposed during work hours.
• Internal communications reported on the Civil Service intranet defended networks as important for equality, diversity and inclusion, and noted departments retain discretion in local implementation.