UK Parliamentary Pre-Election Guidance - 4th July 2024

The term ‘Pre-Election’ describes the period of time immediately before elections when restrictions are place on specific activities, by public bodies, which could influence or be seen to influence the election.  Pre-election restrictions are put in place for Fife Health and Social Care Partnership Staff employed by either Fife Council or NHS Fife from 30th May 2024 until midnight on 4th July 2024. 

Key points to note:

• Fife Health and Social Care Partnership staff must, by law, act in a politically neutral way at all times.

• There is sensitivity around this political neutrality in the run-up to an election.  Care needs to be taken to ensure that any events, publicity or other communications are politically neutral during a pre-election period. 

• Facilities and resources must not be used in support of a political party or election candidates.

• Unless otherwise stated, it should be assumed a ’business as usual’ approach it taken.

• Staff should continue to respond proactively to requests for information or advice from elected parties or candidates, however if an employee is asked by a provide assistance to a matter which is clearly party political in nature (or which does not have a clear link with the work of the Partnership) they should politely refuse and inform the individual they are referring the matter to their line manager,

• No photographs of such candidates should appear in the publicity and any references to them should not contain wording, quotes or material that links them to the forthcoming elections, or otherwise could appear to promote them as candidates at the subsequent elections.

• Public statements including press releases (reactive and proactive) may need to be made during a pre-election period. These must be handled through the Partnership Communications Team.  Great care should be taken to ensure that any content is clearly and directly relevant to the service or issue being discussed and reflects an agreed Partnership decision or policy.

More specific guidance for Partnership Staff employed by Fife Council can be found here: Fife Council guidance

More specific guidance for Partnership Staff employed by NHS Fife can be found here: NHS Fife StaffLink