UK government tightens rules on Whitehall staff networks amid crackdown on 'nonsense' meetings

Civil servants are facing a crackdown on meetings described as 'nonsense' held during the working day as ministers tighten oversight of Whitehall networks. The government has issued new rules to all Whitehall staff 'networks' to ensure activities stay within the civil service code. Under the guidelines, all events must be signed off by a senior official before preparations begin, and should take place outside normal working hours unless they directly benefit staff learning and development.

The changes follow concerns from government ministers and senior Whitehall officials about 'inappropriate' events. The Daily Mail reported that HMRC staff held an hour-long 'Guilt of Being British' seminar that staff could log in to remotely during office hours, run by the HMRC Race Network. It was previously reported that civil servants at the Ministry of Defence planned to take a day off to attend a Vegetarian and Vegan Network conference in 2023.

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said: 'We are taking action to prevent inappropriate uses of networks in the civil service.' He added that the new rules would ensure networks remain impartial and do not attempt to influence Government policy. 'While the vast majority of networks and their events are run within the rules, this new guidance delivers clarity,' he said. The guidance also warns that employees who breach the civil service code could face disciplinary action, and networks may be suspended or collapsed if they fail to comply.

Those wanting to attend events that are still permitted during the working day must first obtain permission from their line manager. A Labour source involved in the changes said: 'Having senior accountability will stop any nonsense that is being proposed.'

The hour-long 'Guilt of Being British: Listening circle' was organized by the HMRC Race Network this summer and was billed as a powerful, interactive, and reflective listening circle exploring the emotional complexity of being South Asian and British. The session touched on topics such as 'the emotional weight of colonial history.' Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described the event as 'nonsense,' saying: 'Is it any wonder the public hate dealing with HMRC, now we learn the staff are being taught to feel guilty about being British?'

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds reiterated the aim, saying: 'We are taking action to prevent inappropriate uses of networks in the civil service.' He added: 'While the vast majority of networks and their events are run within the rules, this new guidance delivers clarity. It will ensure all network members and leaders are aware of the need to remain impartial at all times and fulfil the expected behaviours set out in the civil service code.'

Officials emphasized that the guidance is meant to reinforce governance and accountability, not to curb legitimate staff development. The policy allows only those events approved by line managers during working hours in cases where there is a clear link to learning and development, with noncompliant networks subject to suspension or dissolution.