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
StandardPolicyMogul 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
StandardThe 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
StandardTwo 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
Standard
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 1st, 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 12th, 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:
Applications for a free school visit to UK Parliament open at 10am today (18 September)
StandardFrom 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.
List of Parliamentary Private Secretaries
StandardLooking for a list of Parliamentary Private Secretaries? You can find it here, dated September 2024:
Wellness Working Group Survey
StandardAn update from the Director of Members’ Staff Engagement
The Director of Members’ Staff Engagement has provided an update on progress made against the recommendations in the report, which you can find on the intranet here: https://parlinet.parliament.uk/information-resources/news-newsletters-notices/news/2024/september/an-update-from-jo-willows-on-the-wellness-working-group-survey-for-members-staff/
There is also an update on the Speaker’s Conference report on the employment conditions of Members’ staff.
Running Autism-Friendly Advice Surgeries
StandardThe National Autistic Society has kindly provided a guide to running Autism-Friendly Advice Surgeries.
You can find this guide on the MMSST Casework hub here: https://hopuk.sharepoint.com/sites/hct-mstinfo/SitePages/Caseworker-Hub.aspx
Guide to the House Administration
StandardWhether you are new to the House of Commons, or have been here for years, it’s always helpful to know your way around.
The Guide to the House Administration will tell you all about the running of the house and where to find information, from security, to where to get furniture, to booking rooms, you can find what you need in the guide here.