OK so most of you have good access to the parliamentary intranet and use its resources every day. But……

…….we do know that a good many of you, particularly those based in constituency offices, are not taking full advantage of what’s available.

If you don’t work in parliament – sorry, but the intranet ain’t available to you. Lots of good info and links on the public website though: www.parliament.uk.

Here’s an overall list of what’s covered on the intranet:

Business and News
• Parliamentary Business
• Committees
• News and events
• Understanding Parliament

Research and Libraries
• Research
• Resources
• Training and information skills
• House of Commons Library Services
• House of Lords Library
• Statistics
• Current Awareness Email Alerts

Information Management
• Managing Current Business Information
• Information Security, Data Protection & FoI
• Web and Intranet Service – Online services
• Archives
• Broadcasting

Employment
• Information for House of Commons staff
• Lords staff
• Careers and Development
• Joining & Leaving
• Safety, Health & Wellbeing
• Data Protection & Security

Finances
• Pay
• Allowances
• Pensions
• Procurement
• Financial planning
• Insurance
• HAIS

Computers and Equipment
• Getting Set Up
• Working Flexibly
• Training and Coaching
• Communications Services
• Office 365
• Equipment & Supplies

Access and Buildings
• Access & Security
• Building & Works
• Evacuation & Emergencies
• Offices & Rooms
• Exhibitions & Tours

Teachers, students…this is for you.  We never tire of plugging Parliament’s excellent and comprehensive Education Service.

Their home page is here.  Here’s a taster of some of the links from there:

Introduction to Parliament

Using images, videos and articles, this section looks at the role of Parliament, how it differs from government, key annual events such as the State Opening of Parliament and the budget.

About the work of Parliament

Who’s, who? MPs, Lords and the monarch

Take a closer look at the role of MPs, Members of the House of Lords, and the monarch in the UK’s parliamentary democracy. This section uses a combination of animations, slideshows and articles to bust common myths and examine the work of Parliament’s key players.

Who’s who in Parliament?

How laws are made

Most new laws passed by Parliament result from proposals made by the government. This section looks at the process of making a law and the role played by the House of Commons and House of Lords to scrutinise new legislation.

Making laws

General elections

General elections are central to democracy in the UK. But how do they work? This section looks at the outcome of the last general election, the role of political parties, and what happens on election day.

General elections and referendums

The history of Parliament

The UK has a long tradition of parliamentary democracy. Take a closer look at some key moments, including the Gunpowder Plot and the achievements of early female politicians.

Uncover Parliament’s long history

Current affairs

Parliament debates issues that affect the lives of everyone in the UK, from human rights and civil liberties to international development, devolution in Scotland, and more. This sections covers some major recent topics of debate and new legislation.

Political issues and debates

From Pew Research:

On March 12, 1989 (25 years ago), Tim Berners-Lee wrote a paper proposing an “information management” system that became the conceptual and architectural structure for the Web. He eventually released the code for his system—for free—to the world on Christmas Day in 1990. It became a milestone in easing the way for ordinary people to access documents and interact over a network of computer networks called the internet—a system that had been around for years.

More at http://www.pewinternet.org/packages/the-web-at-25/

This is kept pretty well up to date with recent PMQs etc – plus some golden oldies such as the chimes of Big Ben. Something for everyone.

Click here to view the main page.

If you’re responsible for the administration for an APPG then you should note the latest advice from the Whips Office:

Following meetings of the Administration Committee and the Committee on Standards (HC 357), all APPG notices submitted for inclusion on the All Party Notices:

Should include a contact parliamentary e-mail address or telephone number, i.e. NOT that of an external person or organisation.

Must list Guest Speakers.

The Events Team in the House of Commons must be notified of all guest speakers so they can be logged when the meeting is booked.

The myConstituency App has been relaunched and is now available on android devices and iPads.

More information about the app will be available in the Atrium in Portcullis House between 12noon and 4pm on Wednesday 5 March.

Created by the House of Commons Library, the app displays key statistics for every UK Parliamentary constituency. Statistics include:

• Election results
• Unemployment
• Youth unemployment
• Population by age
• Child poverty
• Weekly wages
• Population by age

Find out and compare results from one area to another and against the region or the UK as a whole. Information is displayed in bar charts and line graphs. Use the myConstituency map to find out about a specific constituency and those surrounding it.

Datasets are produced by House of Commons Library statisticians using a variety of authoritative sources including the Office for National Statistics and the Department for Work and Pensions. The unemployment figures are updated monthly, with other statistics updated annually.

To install this free app search for ‘myConstituency’ in iPad and Play Stores.

 

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology has recently published the following POSTnotes:

Stroke

Stroke is the third largest cause of mortality in the UK, and the largest cause of adult disability. It has a high clinical and societal burden, and can have a profound effect on people’s lives. This POSTnote summarises the different types of stroke, and examines treatment, prevention strategies and recent service re-organisation.

Ambient Air Quality

National and European regulations have improved UK ambient air quality. However, current air pollution levels continue to harm human health and the environment. This POSTnote summarises the evidence for effects of air pollutants and policies to address them.

New Nuclear Power Technologies

Nuclear power stations provide a low carbon source of electricity, which could help the UK achieve its policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. This POSTnote reviews new and potential future nuclear power technologies. It also outlines the regulatory approach toward new nuclear build and summarises some of the related challenges.

Telehealth and Telecare

The UK’s elderly population is growing and with it the number of people with long-term health problems. This is putting pressure on the health and social care systems. Increased use of technology such as telehealth and telecare may help to improve quality of care and reduce costs. This note describes current UK telehealth and telecare initiatives and the role they may play in delivering future care.

Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes produce a vapour typically containing nicotine, which users inhale. There is debate about their potential role in tobacco smoking reduction and cessation. This POSTnote summarises the evidence on the safety and quality of electronic cigarettes, explores some of the social issues raised and reviews current UK and EU regulation.

Risks from Climate Feedback

The Fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC concluded that human activities are causing the climate to warm, but there is uncertainty in how the climate will continue to change. Climate feedbacks could both increase and decrease global warming. This POSTnote discusses what climate feedbacks are, as well as the challenges they present for climate change mitigation policies.

Livestock Emissions

Livestock farming results in the emission of the greenhouse gases (GHG) methane and nitrous oxide. Such emissions are difficult to accurately quantify and control. This POSTnote examines current policy and prospects for further reductions in emissions.

See the POST website here.

If you would like further information on these briefings, please contact post@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 8377.

Leonard Cheshire Disability is a charity supporting disabled people across the UK. They have set up the Change100 internship program to support the career development of disabled university students, who might feel reluctant to disclose their disability when applying for a job, or unsure of whether they will be affected in the job by it. The scheme also aims to spread awareness among employers of how how great a benefit to the business sector capable, ambitious disabled students can be.

The program will give at least 10 students 3 months paid work experience in the South East of England and Edinburgh over this summer, with a further nine months of support. For businesses, Change100 offers advice on how to make their environments suitable for disabled employees, and thus make the most of this pool of talented individuals.

Applications for the internship positions will close on the 10th March. You can apply here.

If you have  any questions, email: applications@change100.co.uk or call 07804 066778 -businesses should email business@change100.co.uk or call 020 3242 0388.

Visit the Change100 website here.

The Hansard Society has released an executive summary of its report ‘Tuned in or Turned Off? Public Attitudes to Prime Minister’s Questions’.

The report finds: ‘The public recognise Parliament’s “essential” role at the heart of democracy but are deeply dissatisfied with the culture and conduct of politics. Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) is a significant contributory factor in this disenchantment.’

You can read the summary here. The full report will be released shortly.

Always wanted to play American Football?

Always wanted to represent your nation?

Now’s your chance!

I am launching a Parliamentary Flag Football team that will play in White City on Wednesday nights.

Anyone interested or if you have any questions email me at newhallj@parliament.uk

Any standard and any experience is welcome

This is your chance to become part of history

Sign up now, your Nation needs you.

We are recruiting all positions as well as coaches.

James Newhall
House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
020 7219 3492