The House of Commons Library has produced a full briefing on its series on House of Commons trends. It looks at statistics on the working and procedures of the House of Commons. It looks at the composition of the Commons, the Parliamentary mechanisms, time spent on different types of business and staffing among other things.
Constituents may contact their Member of Parliament seeking advice on military medals. The House of Commons Library has produced a briefing providing information on eligibility for military medals and how to apply.
You can find it here: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7190/
The Commons Library has published a Briefing Paper discussing issues relating to returning to work. It provides an overview of relevant health and safety law and a discussion of Government guidance on working safely in the context of Covid-19. It also includes a discussion of the positions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This is a fast-moving area and the paper should be read as correct at the time of publication (10.11.2020).
Please note that links to the old Parliamentary intranet have been removed as of October 2023. Please use search on ParliNet to find relevant current details, if available.
https://parlinet.parliament.uk/house-of-commons-members-staff/
The UK’s terrorism threat level has been raised from “substantial” to “severe. You can learn more about this on the BBC News website here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54799377
Please make sure that you read the guidance on the Parliamentary intranet
and read the ‘Run, Hide, Tell’ guidance
Whether yours is a new office, or a long-standing one, the Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) can help you to set up your office technology.
You are entitled to computer equipment loaned to you by Parliament for the duration of your MP’s term and PDS can also provide a broadband service for your office.
They also provide comprehensive helpdesk support, which is available 24/7 except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. They can help with:
For more information on the Parliamentary Digital Service, please see our guide here: https://w4mp.org/w4mp/w4mp-guides/whos-who/pds/
UK Parliament Week is an annual festival taking place from 1-7 November, that engages people across the country with their UK Parliament, explores what it means to them and empowers them to get involved.
This year marks ten years of UK Parliament Week. It is a great opportunity to be part of a thriving democracy and look ahead to the next 10 years, thinking about what issues are important to you and how you can work with the UK Parliament to bring about change. Community groups, local organisations and schools representing every constituency across the United Kingdom have already signed up to be part of the conversation.
Last year, over 1.2 million people took part in UK Parliament week in every nation and region of the UK, alongside countries all over the world. Already so far this year over 8,000 activities have been organised across the length and breadth of the country for this upcoming UK Parliamentary Week’s festivities. Over the past decade people from across the country have set up Q&A sessions, launched petitions, created political videos and content, held debates and even organised visits to their local MP to mark the occasion
In the meantime, if you’re interested in getting involved at home, at your workplace or planning activities with a local school, then the organisers of UK parliamentary Week have provided tons of brilliant resources and tips that can be found on their website.
Many MPs’ offices are now conducting virtual advice surgeries. If you would like to set these up and don’t know how, PDS is offering coaching on Teams and Virtual Surgeries. Just fill in this form to book:
The Members’ Security Support Service (MSSS) is able to assist you with getting your Member’s social media accounts verified. This will mean that a blue tick will be shown against the username of the account.
Why is this important?
Simply put, it shows that you are who you say you are.
MPs are often the subject of fake or imposter accounts, and by getting the account verified, the public can be assured that it genuinely is the MP’s own account and not an impersonator. It also makes it much easier for social media platforms to take action against fake accounts.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done about parody accounts which are clearly identified as such.
Find out how to contact MSSS via ParliNet.
(as of October 16)
Posters are now in place to strongly encourage all colleagues to wear face coverings when moving around the estate and in areas where social distancing is difficult. Two metre social distancing must continue to be followed wherever possible.
Please be mindful that some people are exempt from wearing face coverings for health or disability reasons.
Before putting on a face covering you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser.
A face covering should:
Face coverings continue to be provided from Hall Keepers lodge in the Palace and the 1st floor reception in Portcullis House.
Please note that links to the old Parliamentary intranet have been removed as of October 2023. Please use search on ParliNet to find relevant current details, if available.
https://parlinet.parliament.uk/house-of-commons-members-staff/
As it’s not possible to have physical tours of Parliament at the moment, why not book a free online talk or tour?
Topics range from the historic furniture collection, to how Parliament works, to the Gunpowder Plot.