Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Whether his Department has issued guidance to staff in the (a) Cabinet Office, (b) Office for Equalities and Opportunities and (b) Civil Service People Group on holding in-house Christmas parties.

The position on parties and personal conduct has not changed since the previous administration.

The “Away days, staff days, and celebrations” policy covers any proprietary issues and the approvals required. Additionally, the standards of behaviour which all staff are expected to adhere to and their responsibilities both in and outside of the workplace are outlined in the Civil Service Code, and Cabinet Office “Personal conduct” and “Alcohol, drug misuse and smoking” policies. All internal policies are published on the Cabinet Office intranet and available to all staff.