News
Time: 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.
The Political Staffer Resource Centre offers recommendations, advice and support for political advisers, their managers, and advocates for reform.
It’s an open access resource developed by Professor Jennifer Lees-Marshment at The University of Dundee from research on the human resource management of political staff – see https://www.dundee.ac.uk/political-staffer-resource-centre
It shares practical recommendations from interviewing political staffers and those working in close association with them about what best practices they had experienced, observed and developed over time when working in parliament and government. It covers:
To access the resources complete a simple form https://www.dundee.ac.uk/political-staffer-resource-centre/access-gated-content It’s free to register.
And please share with anyone you know who is interested in this area – whether they are a current staffer especially if they are managing other advisers; a new staffer starting out; a civil servant who supports political staff; a politician who wants to understand how to get the best out of their staff; or a campaigner fighting for reform and investment in political staffing.
We want the resource centre to grow over time through global peer learning, so we have created a mechanism for people to share additional ideas for how they put these principles: just use the sharing solutions form https://www.dundee.ac.uk/political-staffer-resource-centre/sharing-solutions-form.
If you have any feedback, please email us on politicalstaffer@dundee.ac.uk
Political Staffer Resource Centre https://www.dundee.ac.uk/political-staffer-resource-centre
Online 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:
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.
Members’ staff in the Commons and Lords can now apply for tickets for May tours of the Elizabeth Tower.
To apply for a ticket in February, contact the bookings team by 4pm Friday 30 April at visitparliament@parliament.uk with the following information:
May tours are running on:
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
All strikes run from 12:00 midday to 12:00 midday the following day, but disruption will continue into the afternoons and evenings of strike days.
Please see the TFL website for full details: https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/strikes
Services will operate as normal on Thursday 16 April, Thursday 23 April and Thursday 14 May, including night services.
These routes are affected: 8, 25, 205, 425, N8, N25 and N205
Please see the TFL website for full details: https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/strikes
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.