New home for the hotlines list

We wanted to let you know about the new home for the w4mp hotlines list!

We have worked closely with MST to adapt the hotlines list, following feedback on its storage on SharePoint. This version of the w4mp hotlines list returns to you being able to copy and paste information, as well as being able to find information using CTRL+F, so we hope you find it useful! However, please give us any feedback on how you find it, as we are always looking for ways to improve it!

If you didn’t know, the w4mp hotlines list is a great resource for caseworkers who are looking for contact details for different organisations, government departments, companies etc. when supporting their constituents. It not only has helplines that their constituents can use, but also emails and phone numbers that give MPs’ staff a more direct contact link to these organisations, which can make supporting constituents queries a lot easier. It is regularly updated and this new w4mp hotlines list is essentially a live document, so you know that it will always have the latest known contact details. You can see a list of the latest updates here: https://w4mp.org/hotline-numbers-for-mps-meps-msps-ams-and-their-staff/

If you have any questions or feedback, let us know. Otherwise, we hope you like the new home of the w4mp hotlines list!

Please note that the list is available only to people who have parliamentary network accounts. We are not able to share the list with people who are not on the network.

Whistleblowing Training for MPs and MPs’ Staff

This training session will be delivered by Protect, a UK independent whistleblowing charity and legal advice centre.

Members of Parliament are designated in the law as people to whom whistleblowers can disclose information about wrongdoing, risks and malpractice. This training aims to help MPs and their staff who may receive concerns understand their role in the process, the protections available and the risks to whistleblowers who may have taken a big step in speaking up.

Time: 10:00
Date: Wednesday 30 October 2024
Location: Online via Teams
Booking and further information: https://parliament.learningpool.com/enrol/index.php?id=2290

Ordering wreaths for Armistice Day or Remembrance Sunday

If you would like to order a wreath for Armistice Day or Remembrance Sunday, you can do so by contacting the Royal British Legion directly: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/shop/wreaths

They are able to provide a portcullis badge for the centre of the wreath, but you will need to request this at the time you order the wreath, and only ‘Type C’ and ‘Type G’ wreaths can accommodate a central badge. You have to order by telephone if you want the House of Commons badge because it’s not on the website: 0345 845 1945.

You can order wreaths at any time of year but, obviously, they are busiest in October and November, so do try to order in good time. They suggest that orders for Armistice Day should be placed before 24 October.

October Benefits Newscast

The Benefits Training Company produces a monthly newscast which features three of their benefits experts discussing the latest benefits news stories including changes to legislation, DWP announcements, relevant case law and guidance. There are links to the sources of the items discussed, and some that aren’t discussed if they think they might help.

In this month’s Benefits Newscast, David, Will and Sarah discuss extrapolating from non-PIP activities; Means-testing winter fuel payments; UC managed migration & passporting; UC managed migration current issues & resources; Carer’s allowance & averaging earnings.

You can also access previous newscasts on their website: https://www.benefitstraining.co.uk/benefits-newscast/

Access to cash and banking Q&A – Caseworker Discussion Forum

Time: 14:30 – 15:30
Date: Tuesday 8 October 2024
Location: Virtual via Microsoft Teams

The October 2024 forum will be a Q&A on access to cash and banking – what the public can expect from banks and regulators in maintaining access to cash services. We will be joined by Abbas Panjwani from the Library’s Business & Transport team.

To book, please go here: https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/signup.php?s=17909

Do you need an interpreter or translation services?

MPs often need to use the services of an interpreter or translator when working with constituents whose first language is not English, or maybe require a British Sign Language interpreter. You can find some information on such services here: https://w4mp.org/w4mp-guides/your-office/interpreters-and-translation-services/

Free PolicyMogul Webinars

PolicyMogul is hosting two webinars to introduce parliamentary users to its platform. You can learn more about it, and sign up for the webinars here: https://about.policymogul.com/parliament/

Sessions, including a Q&A will take place on:

Friday 11th October, 12:00
Tuesday 15th October, 16:00

You can read a bit more about PolicyMogul here: https://w4mp.org/w4mp-guides/researcher-extraordinaire/policymogul-a-free-political-monitoring-and-research-platform/

MPs’ Guide to Procedure

The MPs’ Guide to Procedure has been updated and hard copies are now available from the Vote Office.

You can find an online version here: https://guidetoprocedure.parliament.uk/mps-guide-to-procedure

Where’s the Vote Office? It has four outlets: Main Vote Office (lower ground floor, Palace), Members’ Lobby, Portcullis House and Parliament Street. See their intranet page for full details of how to contact them.

Throughout October 2024, the Vote Office is holding 30-minute introductory sessions comprising a talk and Q&A session. You can find out more about these here: https://parlinet.parliament.uk/teams/house-of-commons/chamber-participation-team/vote-office/general-election-2024-vote-office-training-and-tours-for-the-new-parliament/

Caseworker.MP Training

Two new dates for Caseworker Software Training have become available to sign-up to on ACT (3 and 10 October).

Please note, these sessions are for staff of newly elected Members only at this time. Sessions for staff of returned Members will be organised in due course.

Sign-up via the link: Course: Caseworker Software Training for MPs’ Staff (learningpool.com)

Nominations Now Open for The House magazine’s Women in Westminster: The 100

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, activists, think tankers and public affairs professionals.

Now in its sixth year, the campaign, supported by Lloyds Banking Group, 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 November 1^st, when the Board of Patrons including Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE DL, former BBC Radio 4 presenter Carolyn Quinn, 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 2025.

Last year saw almost 350 women considered, with the final 100 including influencer and campaigner Georgia Harrison; Sky News political journalist Mhari Aurora; Permanent Secretary at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Sarah Munby; and the chair of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) Cindy Butts.

The list will be announced on March 12^th, 2025, with a reception at the House of Commons, a few days after International Women’s Day.

Nominations can be submitted here > https://uk.eventsforce.net/tpg/30/register

For more information contact:

[email protected]

Applications for a free school visit to UK Parliament open at 10am today (18 September)

From 10am today (18 September) you can apply for a free school visit to UK Parliament in Spring Term. Applications will be via a digital form available on the Parliament Education website until 23 September at 4pm.

Get ready:

Check if you are eligible for a travel subsidy.
- Schools in band B can claim up to 60% of receipted travel costs, up to a maximum claim of £1,200
- Schools in band C can claim up to 85% of receipted travel costs, up to a maximum claim of £2,400
Make sure you have at least 15 minutes set aside to complete the form.
Gather your key information:
- Contact details of your school/group and main point of contact
- Preferred date for your visit
- Expected numbers of students and adults. Our tours and workshops have a capacity of 36 visitors, including adults. The minimum ratio of adults to pupils depends on students’ age: Age 5-7: 1 adult to 7 pupils | Age 7-18: 1 adult to 15 pupils

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to high demand, an automated queuing system will be in place to ensure fair access on the day.

Submitting an application form does not guarantee your visit. Please do not book any travel until you receive a booking confirmation from from the Parliamentary Education Service.