This is a follow up session from the Forum meeting on 7 August where we were joined by the DWP Disability Services Advocacy team. We will be joined by the Disability Services Complaints team, DWP, who will outline their services and handling constituent correspondence.
Time: 10:30-11:30
Date: 21 October 2025
Location: Online via Teams
Booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=1953
Time: 1030 – 1130
Date: Thursday 23 October 2025
Location: Online
This talk will provide an overview of the CMS and upcoming changes.
The House of Commons returns from conference recess next week! Make sure you’re up to date with everything from the Commons Library so you can hit the ground running.
Visit our website and bookmark Library briefings for Commons debates, which we update regularly with the latest research.
You can also sign up for online events coming later this month designed to support your constituency work.
Join the DWP Disability Services Complaints team in our next caseworker forum meeting on 21 October, for an outline their services and handling constituent correspondence.
Followed by the return of Library Talks on 23 October, starting with a Library expert on everything you need to know about the Child Maintenance Service.
IPSA regularly consults with the public on how MPs should be paid and funded. In 2025 IPSA wanted to increase its engagement and give the public a chance to say what matters to them when it comes to funding democracy.
At the start of the year IPSA held a series of roundtables with academics and political experts and, in September, worked with an independent, external organisation to convene the first Citizens’ Forum on MPs’ pay and funding.
This ambitious listening exercise has helped to inform the consultation on MP pay and funding for this Parliament and has been guided by one question: What’s Democracy Worth?
Find out what people had to say here: https://www.theipsa.org.uk/whats-democracy-worth
The IPSA has opened a consultation entitled ‘Professionalising the career path for MPs’ staff’, and is inviting responses from MPs, staff and the general public.
As well as looking at training, it also seeks views on, but not limited to the following:
The consultation closes on 31 October 2025 and can be found here: https://www.theipsa.org.uk/publications/consultations
Dr Bike offers you a free bike check and will carry out simple repairs (pay only for parts if required).
Dr Bike can be found in State Officers Court in the House of Lords by Chancellors Gate. These sessions are held on a fortnightly basis on Wednesdays between 8.30-4.30pm.
No bookings are required it is on a first come first served basis and if there is a queue you can leave your bike and collect it before 4pm. Please be prepared to leave a contact number.
These cycle maintenance sessions are run by Bikeworks. If your bike requires more serious repair you will be advised.
Time: 0800-1630
Location: State Officers Court
Dates:
Time: 1000 – 1615
Date: Tuesday 4 November 2025
Location: Leeds city centre
MMSST will be hosting a roadshow event in Yorkshire and the Humber this November.
The event forms part of a wider programme of roadshows taking place across the UK and offers a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of the wide range of support and services available to you, while also providing a chance to connect with colleagues from other local offices.
The agenda will include informative presentations from IPSA and the Home Office, as well as updates from House Administration services.
To register to attend email MMSST@parliament.uk and you will be sent an outlook invitation.
The House of Commons Administration is pleased to announce the first-ever External Services Fair.
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Date: 18 November 2025
Location: House of Commons
The House of Commons Administration is pleased to announce the first-ever External Services Fair. This event is designed to give Members and Members’ staff the opportunity to engage directly with a range of external bodies that support you in your casework. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with representatives from a range of Government Departments and External Organisations, all gathered in one place. They will be hosting stalls where you can drop in, ask questions, and learn more about how they can assist you in your work.
For full details, please see Parlinet here: https://parlinet.parliament.uk/events/2025/november/external-services-fair-2025/
Nominations are officially open for The House magazine’s Women in Westminster: The 100, the renowned initiative celebrating the remarkable contributions of women in public life. This annual recognition honours the achievements of women across various sectors, including parliamentarians, civil servants, journalists, campaigners, think tankers and public affairs professionals.
Now in its seventh year, the campaign highlights women who are not only leaders in their respective fields but also serve as role models with the power to inspire the next generation to make a meaningful impact in Westminster and beyond.
Nominations close on 7th November when the Board of Patrons including new appointee Jaee Samant, Director General at the Department for Business and Trade, Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE DL, Anne Alexander, Head of Politics at Good Morning Britain, Labour/Co-operative MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch and Chair of the Treasury Select Committee Meg Hillier, and Baroness Anne Jenkin of Kennington (Co-Founder, Women2Win) will select the list of 100 women for 2026.
Last year saw almost 300 women considered, with the final 100 including Theo Clarke, campaigner and former MP for Stafford, Sharon Gaffka, Violence Against Women and Girls campaigner, Caroline Wheeler, Political Editor of The Sunday Times and Antonia Romeo, then permanent secretary of the Ministry of Justice.
The list will be announced on 3rd March 2026 with a reception at the House of Commons, and a printed supplement alongside The House magazine on 9th March 2026.
Nominations can be submitted here: https://uk.eventsforce.net/tpg/452/home?mc=452-thirdpartywebsite-PressRelease-bodylink-
For more information contact: womeninwestminster@totalpolitics.com
The Bank of England would like to invite the staff of MPs based in Northern Ireland to a briefing session on the work of the Bank on Friday 10 October from 10.00-12.00 in Belfast.
Bank staff will deliver a briefing on how the work of the Bank of England affects your constituents, with an introduction to our work in Northern Ireland from our Agents in the Bank’s Belfast office. This will be an ideal opportunity to learn more about the work of the Bank and ask your constituents’ questions.
If you would like to attend, please email ParliamentaryAffairs@bankofengland.co.uk to book a place in person.
We would be grateful if you could share this with any colleagues based in constituency offices in Northern Ireland who may be interested in attending.
Please note this session is for staffers only. However, we hold regular briefing sessions for MPs to keep them up to date on the Bank’s policymaking and Members are welcome to get in touch to learn more.
We look forward to welcoming you.