Civil servants will soon face stricter rules about when they can hold workplace network events, with the Labour Government demanding all gatherings happen outside working hours.
The new guidance means staff networks must get approval from senior managers before organising any events.
These gatherings will need to take place during lunch breaks, evenings or on days off rather than during regular work time.
It is a significant change for the hundreds of networks operating across the Civil Service.
While ministers recognise these groups play an important role in supporting staff, they are determined to stop what one Labour source called "nonsense" events from disrupting the working day.
The changes follow several controversial events that raised eyebrows across Whitehall.
Last month, HMRC's Race Network planned a one-hour seminar titled "Guilt of Being British" that promised to explore "the emotional weight of colonial history".
The session was meant to be a "powerful, interactive and reflective listening circle" examining what it means to be both South Asian and British.
Kemi Badenoch slammed the seminar | GB NEWS
It was scheduled during work hours, which prompted fierce criticism from Kemi Badenoch, who questioned whether this was why "the public hate dealing with HMRC".
Back in 2023, defence officials were set to take a work day off to attend a two-day "Vegetarian and Vegan Network" conference that included talks, stalls and a formal dinner.
The new rules make it crystal clear that events should happen outside working hours unless they "directly benefit" the organisation through training or development opportunities.
Even then, staff will need their line manager's permission to attend.
Nick Thomas-Symonds warned civil servants to remain impartial
| GETTYA Labour source close to the changes said that having senior managers sign off on events "will stop any nonsense that is being proposed".
It is a clear signal that the government wants tighter control over how these networks operate.
The guidance also reminds civil servants that everything connected to these networks - whether it's meetings, communications or activities - must follow the Civil Service Code's strict rules about impartiality and integrity.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, said the Government was "taking action to prevent inappropriate uses of networks in the Civil Service".
He stressed that while most networks and their events follow the rules, the new guidance brings much-needed 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," Mr Thomas-Symonds said.
The Government is not planning to shut down these networks - they recognise groups supporting new mothers and addressing workplace challenges serve a valuable purpose.
However, ministers believe some events have crossed a line.