Civil Service Cracks Down on ‘Nonsense’ Meetings About Veganism and British Guilt
Civil servants across Whitehall are facing new restrictions on staff network events following concerns over what ministers have described as “nonsense” meetings during office hours.
Under the updated guidance, all staff network activities must now be approved by a senior official before any planning begins.
Events should also generally take place outside working hours, unless they directly contribute to staff training or professional development.
The move comes after reports of unusual sessions, including an HMRC seminar called “Guilt of Being British”, sparked criticism for running during office hours.
A Labour source involved in the changes said: “Having senior accountability will stop any nonsense that is being proposed.”
Previously, the Ministry of Defence was reported to have allowed staff to take a day off for a Vegetarian and Vegan Network conference in 2023, further fuelling concerns over inappropriate use of work time.
UK tightens civil service staff networks: meetings outside working hours and all events require senior approval
✅ New rules require staff networks in the public sector to hold activities only outside working hours; all events must be approved by appropriate senior management,… pic.twitter.com/bI9s8SootS
— ScalpingX (@ScalpingX) September 24, 2025
The new rules also stress that staff networks must remain politically neutral and shouldn’t essay to impact government policy.
Breaches of these guidelines could lead to corrective action, and patient malefactors may see their networks suspended, or indeed shut down entirely.
Those wishing to attend approved events during office hours will now require permission from their line manager, ensuring oversight is maintained.
The HMRC session, which lasted an hour, was described as “a powerful, interactive, and reflective listening circle exploring the emotional complexity of being South Asian and British”, covering topics such as “the emotional weight of colonial history.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the event, 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 defended the new guidance, stating: “We are taking action to prevent inappropriate uses of networks in the civil service.
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.”
The crackdown highlights ministers’ intent to keep civil service networks focused on professional development and workplace inclusivity, rather than personal or ideological discussions during work hours.
