An investigation into the Civil Service Muslim Network over claims of “political activism” concluded that the network had “no case to answer”, FOI documents have revealed.
The Civil Service Muslim Network suspended its activities a year ago pending a probe from the previous Conservative government into reports that it had hosted events during which speakers had encouraged officials to “lobby” colleagues to change the government’s policy on the conflict in Gaza.
Cabinet Office minister Georgia Gould confirmed in September that the network was back up and running – having voluntarily suspended its activities – and said senior sponsors had been appointed “to ensure all network activity is in line with relevant guidance”.
It has now been revealed that the investigators cleared the group of any wrongdoing, according to Muslim-focused media platform Hyphen, which obtained a document via Freedom of Information that was sent by the Government People Group to senior civil servants in December.
The document also said that investigators were unable to “identify any areas and/or individuals where further investigations may be required” or “any specific wider general learning”, according to Hyphen.
This outcome was shared with Cat Little, the Cabinet Office permanent secretary and civil service chief operating officer, and Fiona Ryland, the government chief people officer, as well as Zoe Kinch, head of office in the Cabinet Office.
The suspension followed reports that webinars run by the network had coached servants on how to “lobby” and “petition” senior officials to move towards taking a harder stance against Israel and how to be “strategic and smart” in avoiding disciplinary action.
Then-deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden ordered the probe last March, describing the reports at the time as "disturbing political activism".
A member of the Civil Service Muslim told Hyphen that this was not the case, saying civil servants were “upset” and "scared" about the war in Gaza and that the meetings had been “opportunities for people to come together” in a “safe space”.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “The Civil Service Muslim Network voluntarily suspended their activity last year, following reports that an individual connected to the network had potentially breached the civil service code.
“The network has now resumed activity, with measures in place, including oversight from civil service leaders to ensure all network activity is in line with the code and relevant guidance.”