Event

Event

Big Ben tours in May

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Members’ staff in the Commons and Lords can now apply for tickets for May tours of the Elizabeth Tower.

Apply for a ticket (staff only)

To apply for a ticket in February, contact the bookings team by 4pm Friday 30 April at visitparliament@parliament.uk with the following information:

  • your name;
  • parliamentary mail address;
  • the tour dates you are available for.

May tours are running on:

  • Wednesday 6 May – 11:45
  • Friday 15 May – 14:45
  • Thursday 21 May – 12:45

Ticket applications must be submitted by 4pm Thursday 30 April. A ballot of tickets will then take place with booking confirmations by 2pm on Friday 1 May. Emails confirming unsuccessful applications will also be sent after the ballot has been drawn. Ticket allocations can’t be changed at this point, so please only apply for dates for which you are available.

ParliNet | Big Ben tours in May

What next for restoration and renewal of parliament?

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An expert panel explores how parliament should approach the major restoration project, including lessons from other countries and industry.

Time: 1230-1330
Date: Monday 11 May 2026
Location: London, in-person and online

The Palace of Westminster is one of the world’s most recognisable historic buildings and the home of the UK parliament. Yet much of the estate is in urgent need of repair. While debates over how to approach the Restoration and Renewal programme have continued for over a decade, other countries have already moved ahead: Austria has completed the renovation of its parliament, and Canada’s is well underway.

In February, the Restoration and Renewal Client Board set out updated costings and recommended two possible paths forward – full decant or enhanced maintenance and improvement. Parliament is expected to debate the Client Board’s report in the coming weeks.  

With the stage now set for parliament to embark on a project that will not only safeguard this historic landmark but also reimagine it for future generations, this IfG event will explore lessons from other international projects, and discuss what the Restoration and Renewal programme could mean for parliament, industry and the wider public.

For full details, please see here: Institute for Government

MMSST Constituency Roadshow Events – North West and North East

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The Members and Members’ staff Services Team will be hosting constituency roadshows in Manchester and Newcastle in May.

These events are specifically for Members’ staff and form part of the wider programme of roadshows taking place across the UK. 

They offer a valuable opportunity for Members’ staff to deepen their understanding of the wide range of support and services provided by the House Administration and IPSA, while also providing a chance to connect and network with colleagues from other local offices. 

To sign-up to the event and for more information about the roadshows please visit ParliNet | North West and North East Roadshows.

Members’ Office Management Call – 29 April 2026

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The guest speakers on this call will be from IPSA.

There will also be the regular weekly updates from the Parliamentary Digital Service, the Parliamentary Security Department, the Human Resources Team, IPSA, and the House of Commons Library.

Time: 1100
Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026
Location: online via MS Teams
How to join: email MMSST@parliament.uk citing your role and the member you work for, and ask to be added to the mailing list and receive an invitation to the weekly call

*** Please note that this call is only for those in an office management role within an MP’s office.

Members’ Office Management Call – 22 April 2026

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This call will discuss Internships with Department for Trade and Business and Members HR.

There will also be the regular weekly updates from the Parliamentary Digital Service, the Parliamentary Security Department, the Human Resources Team, IPSA, and the House of Commons Library.

Time: 1100
Date: Wednesday 22 April 2026
Location: online via MS Teams
How to join: email MMSST@parliament.uk citing your role and the member you work for, and ask to be added to the mailing list and receive an invitation to the weekly call

*** Please note that this call is only for those in an office management role within an MP’s office.

Behind the Speaker’s Chair (virtual event)

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Time: 1200-1300
Date: Thursday 23 April 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
Booking: Sign up here – parliamentary account holders only

Join us for a panel conversation with staff from the Speaker’s Office, as they discuss their roles, what goes on behind the chair, and how they make Parliament happen.

This event is part of the programme of work called ‘We Make Parliament Happen’, that aims to help colleagues feel part of Parliament and understand how their role contributes to Members.

Members’ Office Management Call – 15 April 2026

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This call will feature an update on insurances available to MPs, from Tara Cullen.

There will also be the regular weekly updates from the Parliamentary Digital Service, the Parliamentary Security Department, the Human Resources Team, IPSA, and the House of Commons Library.

Time: 1100
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026
Location: online via MS Teams
How to join: email MMSST@parliament.uk citing your role and the member you work for, and ask to be added to the mailing list and receive an invitation to the weekly call

*** Please note that this call is only for those in an office management role within an MP’s office.

Members’ Office Management Call – 8 April 2026

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This week’s guest speakers on the MOM call will be Dementia UK. Find out about supporting constituents affected by the condition, and how to access free, bespoke training sessions for your team, delivered by dementia specialist Admiral Nurses.

Digital will also provide an update on their Enabling Members value stream.

There will also be the regular weekly updates from the Parliamentary Digital Service, the Parliamentary Security Department, the Human Resources Team, IPSA, and the House of Commons Library.

Time: 1100
Date: Wednesday 8 April 2026
Location: online via MS Teams
How to join: email MMSST@parliament.uk citing your role and the member you work for, and ask to be added to the mailing list and receive an invitation to the weekly call

*** Please note that this call is only for those in an office management role within an MP’s office.

Question Time for Women’s History Month

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Time: 1400-1445
Date: Wednesday 25 March 2026
Location: Online via YouTube
Cost: Free
Audience: Young people aged 14-18, schools, colleges, home educators
Host: UK Parliament Education and Engagement Team

What is Question Time for Women’s History Month? 

An online engagement event for students aged 14 to 18, to mark Women’s History Month.   

We will be joined by Historian of UK Parliament, Dr Mari Takayanagi, who will share a brief history of women in the House of Lords. Using real parliamentary artefacts, Mari will reflect on the vital contributions that women, past and present, have made to the work of the House.

We will then be joined by The Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishop Rachel) and Baroness Boycott.

Both Peers represent groups that are unique to the House of Lords, Bishops and Crossbenchers, and both are also trailblazing women within their professions.

Both will share their experiences by answering your questions!

Find out more, and register to attend here.