🚨 Cracking Down on Civil Service Events 🚨
The government is stepping up its game against ‘inappropriate’ events in the Civil Service! 🕵️♂️ New rules mean civil servants will need senior approval before organising staff network events. Plus, such gatherings must happen outside work hours unless they clearly benefit the organisation.
Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds announced these changes to ensure that staff networks are used appropriately. There are over 20 of these cross-government networks designed to support underrepresented groups like LGBT people, parents, and carers. 🌈👩👧👦
While there’s no official word on what ‘inappropriate’ means, there have been media reports about some controversial events. For instance, this August, a talk on the “emotional complexity of being South Asian and British” organised by a HMRC group was cancelled after reports in the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph. Similarly, in 2023, defence officials caught heat for planning to attend a Vegetarian and Vegan Network conference during work hours. 🥗
New guidance emphasises that all networks must stick to the Civil Service Code, staying impartial and not trying to influence government policy. Last year, the Civil Service Muslim Network was under scrutiny for allegedly hosting events to sway policy towards Israel, but it resumed with tighter oversight.
What do you think—necessary step or overreach? 🤔 Share your thoughts below! ⬇️