What do MPs actually do for you?

Listen to this podcast from PoliticsHome to find out:

How Westminster Works: What do MPs actually do for you?

https://podfollow.com/1205139782/episode/ca275f254a01662c3ecfedf7aaa79fa70320a185/view

“Every year MPs and their staff receive thousands of requests for help from the people they are elected to represent – ranging from everyday problems about bin collections and parking spaces, to highly sensitive pleas about immigration, medical care and crime. Former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and dedicated caseworkers speak to PoliticsHome about the vital work their staff in offices across the length and breadth of the country do.”

Upcoming HR Familiarisation Sessions

Learn about skills starting as an Office Manager

Office Manager – Getting Started Workshop for Members’ Staff

To book, please click this link Thursday 15 September 10-12 pm

Course overview

This workshop focuses on the elements of an Office Manager’s role that relates to HR best practice. It provides an opportunity to build knowledge and get practical guidance from the Members’ HR Advice Services.

The Members HR Services team
Your role as an Office Manager for an MP
Recruitment
Running the office
Insurance
EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Menopause Allies with Over The Bloody Moon

12:30 – 13:30 – Thursday 4 August 2022
Online Via Teams

Over the Bloody Moon is a leading menopause consultancy who will talk to us about the menopause transition and how you can better support colleagues or a partner. Lesley is here today to help managers feel more confident and equipped to support those negatively impacted by menopause. By being more aware of the signs, we can help others join the dots and respond in an appropriate and empathetic way.

Please email the Wellness Working Group if you would like a link to the event: [email protected]

PDS Summer Training Sessions

Date	Topic	How to sign up
Thursday 28 July 2pm	Cyber Security Briefing essential to understanding the risks and mitigations around cyber security for us all, both in and out of work	Registration form for webinar here
Friday 29 July 10am	Introduction to Microsoft Teamstips on using Teams as a tool to organise and communicate. Learn about chats, channels, calendar, calls and files	Registration form for webinar here
Tuesday 2 August 11am	Accessibility features demonstration from Microsoft Microsoft are running a session on how to use the inbuilt accessibility features on your Windows device and Microsoft365 applications	Email the Digital Service Accessibility Champions
Thursday 4 August 2pm	Introduction to SharePointtips on how to use SharePoint as a tool for creating, saving and collaborating on shared documents	Registration form for webinar here


Friday 5 August 10am	Introduction to OneDrivetips on how to use OneDrive as a tool for individual work, document storage and remote access to personal files	Registration form for webinar here
Thursday 11 August 2pm	Using Microsoft Outlook effectivelytips for managing your mailbox and getting the best out of available features	Registration form for webinar here
Friday 12 August 10am	Microsoft Plannerhow to use Planner to work collaboratively and manage team tasks, projects and work streams	Registration form for webinar here
Thursday 18 August 2pm	Introduction to Microsoft Teams tips on using Teams as a tool to organise and communicate. Learn about chats, channels, calendar, calls and files	Sign up for webinar here
Friday 19 August 10am	Cyber Security Briefingessential to understanding the risks and mitigations around cyber security for us all, both in and out of work	Registration form for webinar here
Thursday 25 August 2pm	Introduction to OneDrivetips on how to use OneDrive as a tool for individual work, document storage and remote access to personal files	Registration form for webinar here
Friday 26 August 10am	Introduction to SharePointtips on how to use SharePoint as a tool for creating, saving and collaborating on shared documents	Registration form for webinar here
Thursday 1 September 2pm	Microsoft Plannerhow to use Planner to work collaboratively and manage team tasks, projects and work streams	Registration form for webinar here
Friday 2 September 10am	Using Microsoft Outlook effectivelytips for managing your mailbox and getting the best out of available features	Registration form for webinar here

Watch the Doorkeepers Virtual Tour

During the 2022 House Services Fair in July, many staffers were able to go on a Doorkeepers guided tour of the Palace. However, if you didn’t manage to go on one of the tours, you can now view a virtual tour on the intranet, guided by Deputy Principal Doorkeeper Ross Carlin.

You must have a parliamentary network account in order to be able to view this video, which lasts just over 11 minutes.

See the video here: https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/d16125ac-59fd-4453-a772-de8adc673faa?list=studio

Accessing Health Records – Commons Library Constituency Casework Briefing

Information for anyone attempting to gain access their own, or somebody else’s, medical records.

Accessing health records is now always as simple as putting in a Subject Access Request under the Data Protection Act 2018. Sometimes, other legislation also comes into play depending upon the circumstances.

Read the Commons Library Constituency Casework Briefing to find out more: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/accessing-health-records/

The State Apartments of Speaker’s House tour

During this fully guided tour, you will visit the State Apartments of Speaker’s House, the rarely seen part of the Palace of Westminster where the Speaker conducts official business and resides. You will discover the history and traditions of the role of the Speaker and see the magnificent artworks on display, including a unique set of 46 portraits of Speakers through the years, dating back to the 16th Century.

For full details please visit: https://ukparliament.seetickets.com/timeslot/the-state-apartments-of-speaker-s-house-tour

Ukraine: Home Office walk-in surgery

There is be a dedicated walk-in surgery for MPs and caseworkers in the Customer Hub in Portcullis House, run by the Home Office. It is open from 10am to 5pm.

*please note that the surgery will not operate on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July 2022*

Officials will be available to provide advice on the Ukrainian refugee situation and answer questions on the government’s package of measures.

This will give Members the opportunity to raise cases of concern directly with officials who will look to support you and your constituents.

Housing Casework Forum – 21 July 2022

The Library, in conjunction with the Members’ Services Team, is pleased to invite you to the Casework Discussion Forum which will take place virtually each month.

The next session is taking place on Thursday 21 July, 2-3pm and will be a Q&A session on the topic of Housing. It will be led by Wendy Wilson from the Library.

The Forum will be complemented by a dedicated Teams chat which will allow you to share ideas and best practice, as well as support being on hand from the Library should specialist knowledge be required.

(Please note, you do not have to be a Caseworker to attend these sessions, they are open to any Members’ staff who handle casework.)

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

To book, please visit ACT: https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=5177

Myths about MPs’ Business Costs

What do you think about MPs spending public money?

A lot has changed since the MPs’ expenses scandal in 2009, but IPSA’s research shows that there are still misconceptions around MPs’ staffing and business costs. Here are some facts that might surprise you:

Want to know more? See the IPSA website here: https://www.theipsa.org.uk/myths-about-mps-business-costs

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The site for everyone working for an MP

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