Government Issues New Guidelines for Civil Service Networks

 

 

Government Issues New Guidelines for Civil Service Networks

 

 

 

The government has issued formal guidance to civil service staff networks, aimed at clarifying the rules governing their operations and preventing misuse.

 

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said the move is designed to “prevent inappropriate uses of networks in the civil service” while ensuring staff remain impartial in their activities.

 

The guidance comes after calls from departments and network members for clearer policies, with discussions having started under the previous administration.

 

In a statement, the Cabinet Office said ministers and civil service leaders had been concerned about reports of inappropriate events held by some networks. The new guidance is intended to help all networks “understand their obligations under the civil service code, ensuring they operate effectively and fulfil their intended purpose.”

 

Mr. Thomas-Symonds added: “While the vast majority of networks and events operate within the rules, this guidance delivers clarity. It ensures all network members and leaders remain impartial at all times and uphold the expected behaviours outlined in the civil service code.”

 

Under the new rules, all events must receive approval from a senior civil servant before preparations begin. Events should take place outside working hours, unless they directly benefit the organisation, such as through learning and development, in which case line manager approval is required.

 

The guidance also reiterates that networks must remain politically impartial and must not attempt to influence government policy. Failure to comply could result in network activity being suspended or ceased. In a recent case, the Civil Service Muslim Network had activities temporarily suspended during an investigation into alleged “political activism,” but the probe found “no case to answer.”

 

The guidance provides additional clarity for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) networks, emphasizing the need to represent all viewpoints and ensure their mission to promote equality and inclusion is not overshadowed by single-issue advocacy.

 

Steve Thomas, Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, the union representing specialist civil servants, described the guidance as “a sensible step that will bring clarity to the civil service code.” He added, however, that it should not weaken government commitment to EDI initiatives.

 

Some civil service sources have raised concerns over the approach, noting that exclusive media briefings risk undermining trust between ministers and staff. One source said: “It risks staff feeling under attack at a time when they are once again being asked to do more with less.”

 

The guidance was first reported by The Telegraph before being formally released on GOV.UK.