The External Services Fair will be returning this year on Thursday 22 October 2026. 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 connect with representatives from a range of Government Departments and External Organisations.
We are asking for your suggestions on which Government Departments and external organisations you would like to be represented at the event this year. Please complete this short form to share your suggestions: External Services Fair 2026 – Fill in form
Event
Event
Working Through Cancer Network Event: 9 July
Standard
Time: 14:15 – 15:15
Date: Thursday 9 July 2026
Location: Online and PCH
Open to: parliamentary staff
Information/booking: dan.horrocks@parliament.uk
You are warmly invited to the next Working Through Cancer Network event where you can hear more about the purpose of the network, the support we are building and how to get involved.
We are delighted that The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, will be joining us to speak about his personal experience of cancer, the challenges of balancing treatment with public life and the insights he has gained from navigating a cancer diagnosis whilst serving in one of the most senior roles in Government.
About the Network
The Working Through Cancer Network exists to support parliamentary staff and others affected by cancer — whether as a patient, carer, line manager, or colleague. We are also developing practical support, including a buddy system and guidance for navigating the help available in Parliament.
RSVP
If you’re planning to attend, in person or online, please RSVP to dan.horrocks@parliament.uk so we can get an idea of numbers.
We hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a thoughtful and inspiring discussion.
Bank of England: Setting interest rates and the Monetary Policy Committee
StandardTraining session with the Bank of England
Time: 13:00 – 15:00
Date: Tuesday 7 July 2026
Location: Parliament
Further information and booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=2339
Inflation, Setting Interest Rates & the MPC
Join Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) member Megan Greene, for a Lunch & Learn followed by Q&A on how the Bank of England sets interest rates to meet the 2% inflation target.
NEW DATE – London and South East Roadshow
StandardThe London and South East roadshow has been rescheduled for Thursday 10 September 2026.
You are invited to attend the upcoming roadshow event for London and South East offices. The event will be delivered by the Members and Members’ staff Services Team (MMSST) in the House of Commons. We really hope that you will be able to attend.
If you have already signed up, you will not need to re-register for the new date; MMSST will shortly send you a new calendar invitation.
To register to attend please email mmsst@parliament.uk
What’s your blood type?
StandardThe Parliamentary Health and Wellbeing Service will be joined by representatives from NHS Blood and Transplant to offer members of the Parliamentary community the chance to find out their blood type and learn more about blood donation.
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Date: 24 June 2026
Location: Room O, PCH
Evidence Week 2026 – from 6 July 2026
StandardBitesize online training sessions for parliamentary staff, provided by the UK’s leading experts including the House of Commons Library, ONS and OSR.
For more information and registration for these sessions, please visit the Evidence Week website
Monday 6 July
Modern information warfare 14:00 – 14:45 (online)
How to combat disinformation in the digital age with the House of Commons Library.
Tuesday 7 July
Use, understand and present numbers well in your work 14:00 – 14:45 (online)
Find out how the Code of Practice for Statistics can help – with the Office for Statistics Regulation.
Wednesday 8 July
Risk Know-How 14:00 – 14:45 (online)
How to understand and present risks effectively with Risk Know-How.
Thursday 9 July
Are you using a reliable survey? 11:00 – 11:45 (online)
How to spot trustworthy survey data with the National Centre for Social Research.
AI fakes 14:00 – 14:45 (online)
What to check with Full Fact.
Friday 10 July
How could changes in different industries and products affect the UK economy? 11:00 – 11:45 (online)
Get trained to use the unique UK calculator with the Office for National Statistics.
How to use spatial insights 14:00 – 14:45 (online)
Access to geographic data that can help address local challenges with Smart Data Research UK.
Making the Chamber work: Behind the scenes with the Serjeant at Arms Team
StandardEver wondered what it takes to keep the House of Commons Chamber running smoothly?
The Serjeant at Arms and his team play a vital role in maintaining order in the House of Commons Chamber, galleries, and committees when the House is sitting.
Join Serjeant at Arms, Ugbana Oyet, alongside members of the Doorkeeper Team, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their work. This session will offer insights into the history of the SAA Team, their current responsibilities and how they support Members and Members’ staff to make parliament happen.
Booking information
- Monday 29 June, 11-12noon (virtual via Teams)
- Please sign-up to the session on Act Course: Making the Chamber work: Behind the scenes with the Serjeant at Arms Team
- If you have any questions please contact trainingmpandmpstaff@parliament.uk
Royal British Legion parliamentary staff event
StandardPlease note the change of date
Time: 1800 – 2100
Date: Thursday 4 June 2026
Location: London
On Thursday 4 June 2026 at 6pm-9pm before the Whitsun recess, the Royal British Legion is planning to hold a reception in Westminster for members of parliamentary staff in London.
The aim of this event will be to inform Members’ staff about the work of RBL, the 2026 Armed Forces Bill, and how we can help with casework support for the Armed Forces community in constituencies across the country.
Buffet and drinks will be provided, and there will also be a bar.
Please do let us know at PublicAffairs@britishlegion.org.uk if you can attend, and if you would like to bring any other staff with you.
Library talk: The 1926 general strike
StandardTime: 1400-1500
Date: Thursday 7 May 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
The 1926 general strike: an ‘unconstitutional’ act or legitimate industrial action?
To mark the centenary of a landmark event in British politics (and the publication of a new book), this talk will explore the background to the strike, its legacy and legality.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome awareness month 2026
StandardOnline talk: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome awareness month 2026
Time: 1400-1500
Date: Thursday 14 May 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
Further information: Promoting Ehlers Danlos Awareness month or email ParliAble@parliament.uk
Did you know? Although at least 1 in 500 people in the UK are diagnosed with Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), many more remain undiagnosed due to low awareness among the public and healthcare professionals.
To mark International EDS Awareness Month, Gabrielle Fleming partners with ParliAble to share her experience of living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – a hidden disability.
“For years, I lived with symptoms I couldn’t explain while trying to build my career. By sharing my experience, I hope others feel seen and supported, and know that with the right adjustments, chronic conditions don’t have to define or limit us.”
The session will cover:
- Introduction to EDS
- Gabrielle’s personal story
- Workplace adjustments and how you can support colleagues with EDS/HSD
- Resources for further information and support
- Q&A
Everyone is welcome – whether you’re affected personally, supporting a colleague, friend or family member, or simply curious to learn more.
About EDS
Ehlers‑Danlos Syndromes are a group of genetic connective tissue disorders often associated with hypermobility (‘double‑jointedness’). Symptoms typically appear in childhood, but issues like chronic pain, fatigue, and mobility challenges may develop later in life. Experiences vary widely from mild to significantly disabling.