The pre-election period for the general election started on 25 May – please read this guidance
On Thursday 4 July 2024, a general election will take place. This means that the NHS needs to act impartially towards all candidates and political parties, and not seen to be influencing the election and its outcomes, even inadvertently. It is important to consider how any activities or communications undertaken by our organisation between now and the election could be perceived.
This guidance provides advice on what we can and cannot do during this period.
What you shouldn’t do:
- make new announcements of policy or strategy
- produce publicity on matters which are politically controversial
- make references to individual politicians or groups in press releases
- arrange proactive media or events involving candidates
- make announcements on large and/or contentious procurement contracts
- participate in debates and events that may be politically controversial, whether at national or local level (in a professional capacity).
What you should think carefully before you do:
- continue to run campaigns that has been or could be the subject of local political debate and/or disagreement.
- launch any new consultations. Unless it is a statutory duty, don’t start any new consultations or publish report findings from consultation exercises, which could be politically sensitive.
What you’re allowed to do:
- continue to discharge normal business – even if controversial.
- publish factual information.
These restrictions apply in all cases other than where postponement would be detrimental to the effective running of the local NHS, or wasteful of public money.
Ultimately, you must always be guided by the principle of fairness. It is crucial that any decision you take would be seen as fair and reasonable by the public and those standing for office.
You can read the latest pre-election guidance from NHS England here.
If you are planning any public or stakeholder engagement or communications between now and 4 July and want some advice, please contact the communications and engagement team.
We will keep this page updated should new or updated national pre-election guidance be released.