Government issues general election guidance for civil servants
The Cabinet Office has issued guidance for civil servants on the 2024 general election taking place on 4 July.
The guidance notes: “General elections have a number of implications for the work of departments and civil servants. These arise from the special character of government business during an election campaign, and from the need to maintain, and be seen to maintain, the impartiality of the Civil Service, and to avoid any criticism of an inappropriate use of official resources.”
The document sets out general principles and addresses the following topics:
- Enquiries, Briefing and Requests for Information
- Special Advisers
- Contact with Opposition Parties
- Contact with Select Committees
- Political Activities of Civil Servants
- Cabinet and Official Documents
- Government Decisions
- Public and Senior Civil Service Appointments
- Communication Activities
- Guidance on Consultation Exercises
- Statistical Activities
- Use of Government Property
- International Business
- Guidance for the Devolved Administrations
- Public Bodies
The guidance, which can be viewed here, takes effect from 00:01 on 25 May 2024 at which point the ‘election period’ begins.
It applies to all UK civil servants, and the board members and staff of Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) and other arms’ length bodies.
