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Original poster

Civil Service staff networks to only meet outside working hours and have all events signed off by senior managers

61 replies

IwantToRetire · 24/09/2025 19:05

New rules have been issued to all Civil Service staff networks to ensure their activities remain within the Civil Service Code.

Read in full at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/civil-service-staff-networks-to-only-meet-outside-working-hours-and-have-all-events-signed-off-by-senior-managers

Civil Service staff networks to only meet outside working hours and have all events signed off by senior managers

New rules have been issued to all Civil Service staff networks to ensure their activities remain within the Civil Service Code. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/civil-service-staff-networks-to-only-meet-outside-working-hours-and-have-all-events-signed-off-by-senior-managers

OP posts:
TempestTost · 24/09/2025 22:25

When I think of things I've heard these groups doing, I am not really surprised that they are being told not to use work time. It seems like there are people who made it a major part of their day.

MrsOvertonsWindow · 24/09/2025 22:10

Link to the original thread about this:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/5415871-crackdown-on-inappropriate-civil-service-staff-networks?reply=147362800

Original poster
IwantToRetire · 24/09/2025 22:10

Ineffable23 · 24/09/2025 22:03

I don't have a problem with them holding that meeting. I just think that the resultant press from that (reported by the daily express, daily mail and others that I found) is what may have prompted this.

Show quote history

I dont think they would have implemented it that quickly.

Suspect there have had to be all sorts of negotiations to get it to the stage of a public statement.

On one level I think if you have a Staff Network you shouldn't have to get a Senior Manager to okay what you are going to do.

So I suppose the rationale is if these meetings are in Staff paid time.

Rather than meeting down the pub, or prefered coffee shop.

OP posts:
Ineffable23 · 24/09/2025 22:03

IwantToRetire · 24/09/2025 22:00

That's a meeting which if you respect free speech is not an issue, even if you dont agree with the intent of the meeting.

The Government guidance is about networks, whether in or outside of work hours, effectively becoming a lobby group that then distorts the work environment for example insisting that everyone has to declare a gender identity, and denying that sex is a biological fact.

And because of the result of the work place not being able to recognise that, is how the SEEN got set up.

Edited
Show quote history

I don't have a problem with them holding that meeting. I just think that the resultant press from that (reported by the daily express, daily mail and others that I found) is what may have prompted this.

Original poster
IwantToRetire · 24/09/2025 22:00

Ineffable23 · 24/09/2025 21:52

I don't think it's because of that. I think it's because of this:

https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/hmrc-nonsense-guilt-being-british-seminar-5Hjd8Sj_2/

That's a meeting which if you respect free speech is not an issue, even if you dont agree with the intent of the meeting.

The Government guidance is about networks, whether in or outside of work hours, effectively becoming a lobby group that then distorts the work environment for example insisting that everyone has to declare a gender identity, and denying that sex is a biological fact.

And because of the result of the work place not being able to recognise that, is how the SEEN got set up.

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 24/09/2025 21:49

I am assuming this is a result, recognition of SEEN networks.

Wasn't the first one a Government one?

OP posts:
RayonSunrise · 24/09/2025 21:44

There’s a thread on this already, I believe

CarefullyCuratedFurniture · 24/09/2025 19:19

Nobody ever invites me to the inappropriate events. Our PiPP network did a lunchtime teams session on the origins of Polari but it didn't seem particularly inappropriate and was actually quite interesting.

NotAtMyAge · 24/09/2025 19:18

The guidance also provides further clarity for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) networks specifically. Including the need to promote all view points equally, and ensure their role - to promote equality and inclusion in the Civil Service for everyone - is not lost in pursuit of a particular issue.

I'm guessing this is the reason for the new guidance.

plantcomplex · 24/09/2025 19:14

What are the recent reports of inappropriate events?

However, Ministers and Civil Service leaders have been concerned by recent reports of inappropriate events being conducted by some networks in the Civil Service.