Guidance for colleagues regarding activities during the pre-election period

March 24, 2021

With local council elections scheduled to take place on Thursday 6 May, purdah (the period of time immediately before an election when specific restrictions apply to the public sector) comes into effect at midnight tonight, which means that care must be taken around announcements and activities by public sector bodies which could influence or be seen to influence the election.

NHS employees are free to undertake political activism and public debate in a personal capacity. Colleagues should however ensure that the Trust is not involved or that an impression of Trust involvement in a campaign or political activity is not created.  Colleagues are not permitted to use any official premises, equipment or information they would only have access to through their work and which is not publically available. This includes photography of colleagues in Trust uniforms. If staff use social media in a professional capacity as a representative of the Trust they should ensure that nothing contentious is posted on social media accounts, and that only essential factual information is published.

Colleagues should also avoid attending events where you may be asked to respond to questions about policy or on matters of public controversy.

Communications activities necessary for operational delivery purposes are able to continue as normal. If you would like any further information or advice please contact Head of External Communications vanya.rogers@nhs.net.