Civil Servants aren’t buying the Cabinet Office’s attempts to shut down their diversity networks. Nick Thomas-Symonds said this morning: “We are taking action to prevent inappropriate uses of networks in the Civil Service.” New rules are meant to force events to be signed off by a senior civil servant and take place outside working hours. Not that the Civil Service sees it that way…
A release on the internal intranet for civil servants defends staff networks as “fundamental to a culture where equality, diversity and inclusion thrive.” There is no criticism of how they have been handled so far. It adds: “Networks often act as catalysts for positive change, identifying barriers that might otherwise go unnoticed and proposing practical solutions.” Remember this includes stuff like HMRC’s ‘Guilt of Being British’ seminar…
Staff are already reassuring themselves with workarounds and loopholes. One says: “Having seen the guidance now, it applies to cross-government networks. The way departments apply it to their networks will be at the discretion of their HR.” The Cabinet Office can only do so much…
Another complains: “how can they prove that you all just didn’t “accidentally” met up at the same location by pure coincidence.” The woke ship won’t go down that easy…
Read the full intranet post below:
New policy framework launched to strengthen Civil Service staff networks
A new Civil Service Staff Network Policy launched today (23 September) will strengthen support for staff networks, enabling them to focus on supporting colleagues and building a more inclusive Civil Service.
The policy provides clear pathways for networks to operate effectively while maintaining high standards of governance and accountability. This streamlined approach allows network leaders to concentrate on creating supportive communities, championing inclusion, and driving meaningful change across departments.
Recognising the vital role of networks
Staff networks are fundamental to a culture where equality, diversity and inclusion thrive. They provide safe spaces for colleagues to connect, share experiences and access support. Networks offer valuable insights that help shape policies and practices, ensuring our workplace reflects the communities we serve.
Encouraging innovation and flexibility
The new approach aligns with the broader mission to create an open and inclusive environment where different views, backgrounds and experiences are genuinely welcomed. Networks often act as catalysts for positive change, identifying barriers that might otherwise go unnoticed and proposing practical solutions.
The policy encourages innovation, recognising that the most effective approaches often emerge from networks themselves. By providing flexibility within clear parameters, it creates an environment where networks can adapt their activities to meet their members’ evolving needs.
Focus on continuous improvement
The framework emphasises continuous learning and improvement. Networks will be supported in evaluating their activities and sharing insights across the Civil Service. Success will be measured not just in numbers, but in the tangible difference networks make to colleagues’ experiences and career progression.
To find out more about staff networks, visit the intranet page Cabinet Office Diversity and Inclusion Networks and Groups.
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