Parliamentary Working Through Cancer Network

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The new Working Through Cancer Network was featured this week on page 47 of The House magazine. (The House | If you have cancer, Parliament can be a hard place to work – our new network will help change that)

A cross-party group of staffers, is hosting a small, informal launch on Thursday 12 March (drop in 9.30–11am) in the Jubilee Room. It will be a chance for both Members and their staff to hear first-hand experiences and understand what we are hoping to achieve.

1 in 2 of us will be affected by cancer – yet many people in Parliament are still working through it quietly and alone. 

We hope the network will :

  • offer practical support
  • develop resources and information
  • provide a safe, confidential space for anyone in our parliamentary community who is affected, directly or as a loved one’s carer through a buddying system.

Our immediate focus is to:

  • Encourage colleagues to join
  • Help line managers recognise the value of the network
  • Equip supporters to champion it more widely

What we’re asking today is simple:

  • Add the Network’s Launch event to your diary right away!
  • Share this invite with colleagues and WhatsApp groups so people know where to turn before they need it.
  • Come along to support us and find out more…
  • If you can’t attend, let us know that you support the network and would like to hear more.

For more information or to support, please email robertsg@parliament.uk

MPs’ Staff Survey of Well-being 2026

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Reply now! Closing date 18 March 2026.

The Wellness Working Group undertakes an anonymous survey of MPs staff to better understand the pressures and effects that our jobs have on our wellbeing.  We are delighted that Dr Weinberg from Salford University has agreed to run the survey again for us this year.  The survey is completely anonymous and a chance to be able to help us enact change and to help us all obtain better work places and practices.

Please click here to complete the survey.

The more people who respond to the survey, the greater the representative nature of the results, but please remember you are under no pressure to participate and you may change your mind about taking part.

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.

The Situation in Iran

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Owing to the current situation in Iran, Members of Parliament may be receiving requests for assistance from constituents.

There is a new section specific to the situation in Iran at the bottom of the hotlines list and we will endeavour to keep it updated.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has asked British nationals to register their presence in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and UAE.

British Nationals who are in Iran should read the advice here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran

Constituents should also follow the FCDO Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/ForeignCommonwealthAndDevelopmentOffice

Parliament’s People Awards

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We’re coming up to the announcement of the 2026 Parliament’s People Awards, which recognise the inspirational teams and individuals who have impressed and shown dedication and commitment to supporting a thriving parliamentary democracy.

Anybody working for the House of Commons, House of Lords, the Parliamentary Digital Service, or in a constituency office can nominate a colleague who they believe has gone above and beyond in their work to enable UK democracy, and this year’s shortlist of nominations has now been published.

Here at w4mp we are really pleased to see that our own Karen Lawrinson, the mainstay of this site, maintainer of the hotlist, and all-round wonderful colleague has been shortlisted for the Parliamentary In-House Individual of the Year award, not just for the amazing work she does here but for her many other contributions she makes. As the nomination says, “Karen’s work directly improves the resilience, effectiveness, and cohesion of parliamentary teams, enabling staff across the UK to perform their roles with confidence and efficiency.”

Parliament Choir: St. Matthew Passion

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Time: 1845
Date: Wednesday 18 March 2026
Location: Smith Square Hall, London

https://www.sinfoniasmithsq.org.uk/event/st-matthews-passion/

Join the Parliament Choir for a performance of JS Bach’s moving St Matthew’s Passion.

Setting the description of Christ’s last days from St Matthew’s gospel, the piece gives a moving and powerful portrayal of betrayal, judgement, death and love. The message of  the St Matthew Passion is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. 

The Choir of the UK Parliament is an inclusive organisation, where politicians of all parties and staff work harmoniously together.  It is well-loved and has performed to large and enthusiastic audiences in iconic venues such as Westminster Hall, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, the Royal Festival Hall, the Banqueting House, Coventry Cathedral and York Minster.

It has been an ambassador for the UK and the UK Parliament in Berlin (Bundestag), the Czech Republic (St Vitus Cathedral), Italy (Tuscan Festival) and France (Notre Dame de Paris) and The Vatican. 

IPSA – Year-End Webinar

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IPSA year-end webinars will take place on:

  • Wednesday 4 March 2026
  • Tuesday 10 March 2026
  • Friday 20 March 2026
  • Thursday 26 March 2026

This webinar will explain what year-end is and outline the essential process that is required from MPs and Proxies at the financial year-end in order to finalise their staffing and business costs accounts accurately.

Part of this webinar will be practical to demonstrate how to use IPSA Online and year-end forms to complete the process. The webinar is 60 minutes long including time for questions.

To book your slot on an IPSA year-end webinar, go to the ACT dashboard and then click through to IPSA training.

Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards: Nominations Now Open 

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Launched today: a new national awards programme recognising leadership and impact across the UK

Today marks the launch of the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards, recognising and celebrating individuals, teams and organisations across the UK working to prevent abuse and support victims and survivors. With this issue high on the national agenda, the awards, produced by Total Politics, provide a timely platform to recognise leadership, innovation and sustained commitment. 

The awards aim to shine a spotlight on those who champion change, challenge injustice and provide vital support in communities across the country. From frontline services and charities to policymakers and campaigners, the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards will honour the leadership and innovation driving progress in this critical area. 

The 2026 awards are proudly sponsored by TSB, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting survivors, raising awareness and driving meaningful change across sectors. Organisations and individuals are invited to submit entries highlighting outstanding achievement, impactful initiatives and inspirational leadership in preventing violence against women and girls. 

Full details of the award categories and the nomination process can be found at: 
https://lp.totalpolitics.com/VAWG_Awards 

Angus Parsad-Wyatt, Director of Political Engagement at Total Politics, said: “Through Total Politics and our media title The House magazine, we are proud to provide a national platform to recognise those leading work to prevent violence against women and girls. These awards shine a light on the individuals and organisations strengthening support, shaping policy and delivering vital services across the UK.”

Kate Osiadacz, TSB Head of Responsible Business said: “Supporting the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards reflects TSB’s commitment to helping people escape their abuser and access safety. Through initiatives like the TSB Flee Fund and the Safe Spaces available in our branches, we are working to provide practical and immediate support for those who need it most. These awards highlight the individuals and organisations whose dedication is driving real change, and we are committed to standing alongside them.”

Those working across the sector are encouraged to nominate colleagues, volunteers, teams or organisations whose dedication and impact deserve recognition.