The List of Ministerial Responsibilities was updated on 3 March 2022 and can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-ministers-and-responsibilities
Author: W4MP Editor
Independent Expert Panel first annual report
Standard03 March 2022
The Independent Expert Panel (IEP) has published its first annual report.
The IEP decides appeals and determines sanctions in complaints against MPs of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct under the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS). It decided six cases last year, upholding complaints against two current and three former MPs. Three were for sexual misconduct and two for bullying.
The IEP is independent of MPs and the House Service and is chaired by retired Appeal Court Judge, Sir Stephen Irwin. The eight panel members are drawn from a diverse range of professional and personal backgrounds. You can find out more about the Panel and read their reports on their website.
Introducing the annual report, the IEP’s Chair Sir Stephen Irwin said:
“We were created to ensure that complaints about bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct by MPs are decided completely independently, and in a fair and rigorous manner that rebuilds the confidence of the Parliamentary community and the public.
Through our public reports we have demonstrated that MPs who bully, harass, or commit sexual misconduct against, their staff, House staff, other MPs or anyone else in the Parliamentary community can be held to account.
We are only the most visible part of the ICGS process. We rely on the work of the ICGS team, the independent investigators, and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. They ensure that investigations are rigorous, fair to all, and that those involved are supported through the process.
It is of cardinal importance that complainants feel able to come forward. We pay tribute to them, and the House owes them a debt.”
The annual report is available on the Parliament website.
If you have any questions about the work of the IEP please email the Secretary to the Panel Ian Bradshaw ([email protected]).
Who can I talk to for support?
If you have experienced an incident that is not in line with our Behaviour Code we encourage you to reach out to the people and services available to you for advice, support and help. You can find how to access support, and how to make a complaint on the ICGS website.
IPSA Budgets for 2022-2023
StandardIPSA has confirmed the budgets for MPs’ offices for 2022-2023 and you can read the bulletin here: https://assets.ctfassets.net/s90k6prbkeee/3Qh3dqtF4hBC3WpZ2ADrMi/65f374248b72727a3154424b2a77f5e3/Bulletin__2_March_2022.pdf
and the finer details here: https://www.ipsaonline.org.uk/guidance/reports-and-budgeting#summary-of-2022-23-budgets
You can find an updated monthly and yearly salary calculator here: https://www.ipsaonline.org.uk/guidance/reports-and-budgeting#document-downloads
ICO – updated guidance on video surveillance
StandardThe Information Commissioner has issued updated guidance on video surveillance. Please click the link below to be take to the ICO website:
Ukraine crisis 2022: Aid and refugees
StandardCommons Library Briefing
This new briefing describes the potential effect of the conflict in Ukraine and the possibility of a refugee crisis, alongside what aid the UK and others have pledged in 2022.
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9467/
Ukraine Crisis – Commons Library Briefing
StandardThe Commons Library has put together a page featuring Commons Library publications relevant to the current crisis in Ukraine.
You can view it here: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9455/
IRIS Data Protection surgery – Tuesday 1 March
StandardThe State Apartments of Speaker’s House tour
StandardYou can now book a one-hour, fully-accessible tour of the State Apartments of the Speaker’s House, which includes the Grand Staircase, the Crimson Drawing Room, the State Dining Room, and the State Bedroom. The tour starts and finishes in Westminster Hall which you are welcome to explore afterwards.
See here for full details and booking: https://ukparliament.seetickets.com/timeslot/the-state-apartments-of-speaker-s-house-tour
Mindfulness Course for Members
StandardNew six-week online mindfulness course for Members starts next Wednesday 23 February, 8.30-9.30am.
Sessions will take place every Wednesday 8.30-9.30am for six weeks (from Wednesday 23 February to Wednesday 30 March).
The course will be delivered by Awaris, leading mindfulness training provider and sessions will take place online via Zoom.
To book your place email Lydia Smith on [email protected]
Best Practice Guide to Grievances
StandardPlease 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 House of Commons Members’ HR Service has produced a Best Practice Guide to Grievances.
This best practice guide aims to enable Members and their HR proxies to respond to and investigate grievances fairly, consistently and effectively.
You can find the guide here
This is one of a series of guides, and you can find the other guides here