Inside information?

Extract from the two Evans' directors notices of shares purchased...

Part 3 – +Closed period
Were the interests in the securities or contracts detailed above traded during a +closed period where prior written clearance was required? Yes
If so, was prior written clearance provided to allow the trade to proceed during this period? Yes
If prior written clearance was provided, on what date was this provided? 27/10/2017

Why was this permission granted and who granted it to them - themselves?
These purchases were made near an NTA point. They had access to the portfolio and would now what the NTA effect for the month would have been - isn't that insider trading?