Tuesday 7th December at 2.45pm Pregnancy and baby loss can have an enormous impact on a family and the ripples of grief can be felt for a lifetime. Being well supported emotionally both at home and in the workplace can help families feel less alone and validate their grief and complex feelings. Held In Our…

The forthcoming recess dates have now been announced and can be found here: https://whatson.parliament.uk/nonsittingperiods/

The Labour and Conservative Women’s Parliamentary Staff Networks invite you to The Great Cross-Party Get Together – with Kim Leadbeater MP(aerobics class)Time: 8:30am – 9:15amDate: 8 December 2021 Following the covid-19 pandemic and tragic murder of Sir David Amess MP we wanted to do something to bring everyone together in a safe way to spend…

*REMINDER* Health & Wellbeing Learning Hub To mark the end of Movember and International Men’s Day (19 November), we invite you to join us for a live panel discussion where we will explore the topic of men’s mental health. Mental health continues to be a taboo subject for men, with many suffering in silence when…

The Members’ Services Fair continues today and tomorrow in Portcullis House. A few remaining places are available for Members and Members’ Staff to join special Doorkeeper tours, which will take you to key business areas around the House. Doorkeepers will be able to answer any questions you may have about access or finding your way…

‘Suicide Awareness’ (led by the charity Action to Prevent Suicide https://www.actiontopreventsuicide.org/ This Q&A is open to all MPs’ staff. Time: 10:00 – 11:00Date: Thursday 20 January 2022For further information and booking, please visit https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=4817

Members’ Security Support Service & dealing with suspicious mail. This Q&A session is open to all MPs’ staff Time: 10:00 – 11:00Date: Friday 3 DecemberFurther information and booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=4620

Wednesday 8 December 20218.30am to 9.15am We are delighted that Kim Leadbeater MP will be leading an aerobics class for this Winter’s Great Cross-Party Get Together for all MPs, Peers and their staff from all political parties. The event will be online and is being hosted by the Labour Women’s Parliamentary Staff Network and the…

StrongMen Charity – Bereavement & Mental Health Support for MenTuesday 23rd November at 3pm Dan Cross and Efrem Brynin are the founders of national bereavement charity, “StrongMen”. The charity supports men aged 18+ who have suffered mental and physical health issues as a result of losing a loved one. Dan & Efrem met after taking…

Below are the posting and delivery deadlines for 2021: Royal Mail Bulk Mail Economy – Friday, December 17 2nd Class – Saturday, December 18 2nd Class Signed For – Saturday, December 18 Royal Mail 48 – Saturday, December 18 1st Class – Tuesday, December 21 1st Class Signed For – Tuesday, December 21 Royal Mail…

(England only) The Royal British Legion has produced a brand-new caseworker guide, designed to help MP’s staff in the help they provide to their constituents from the Armed Forces community. This new digital guide has been specifically designed with MP caseworkers in mind. It includes a wealth of information about RBL services and other assistance…

Commons Library Research Briefing On Monday 8 November 2021, there will be an emergency debate in the House of Commons on “the consequences of the decision of the House on 3 November relating to standards.” The Commons Library has produced a Research Briefing summarisin the events that led up to the decision to hold an…

Samaritans have produced a guidance document for Parliamentarians relating to raising the issue of suicide. If you would like a copy of this document, please email us. Please note that this will be provided only to those working in Parliament, the Senedd, the Scottish Parliament or the Northern Ireland Assembly.

All of these courses will be presented on Microsoft Teams. To browse and book courses, please click here Finding Library research onlineTuesday 2 November2:00-3:15 Finding parliamentary questions, debates and speeches onlineThursday 4 November10:30-11:45 Media and news sourcesFriday 5 November10:30-12:00 Finding books and journalsMonday 8 November2:00-3:15 Finding parliamentary papers onlineThursday 11 November2:00-3:15 Parliamentary Search in depthFriday…

The revised ‘running a safe surgery’ booklet is available on the intranet here: https://intranet.parliament.uk/Documents/intranet/Election%20documents/PSD-Safe-Surgery-guide-Oct-2021.pdf Please ensure that all MPs and staff take the time to read it – it provides simple and effective methods of reducing the risk to you, your Member and your constituents.

A trial of the sale of halal and kosher meals will commence 18 October in Bellamy’s. Halal and kosher sandwiches will also be added to the ranges in the Debate and the Terrace. The trial will run until the end of January 2022, when the House will review feedback and consider rollout to other venues…

We at w4mp are shocked at the news that Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West has died from his injuries after having been attacked at his advice surgery this afternoon.   We offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends and staff at this awful time. Members and their staff need to remain alert and be…

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…

On 30 September 2021, Gresham College broadcast a 1-hour lecture by Professor Leslie Thomas QC and David Neale. It’s really worth watching as it gives an excellent background to the history of Britain’s immigration law which will be of interest to anyone who works as an MP’s caseworker, particularly those who process immigration casework. Here’s…

Time: 13:30pmDate: Wednesday 20th OctoberVenue: Online No Panic is a registered charity that helps and supports those living with Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other related anxiety disorders. No Panic also provides support for the carers of people who suffer from anxiety disorders. One of the charity No Panic patron’s will be hosting…

Time: 10:00Date: Friday 1 October 2021Where: MS Teams Kirstie has revolutionised the culture at Octopus by putting employees wellbeing, mental health and gratitude at the forefront of everything they do.   Come along to hear how Kirstie made this change and to get some tips on how we can look after ourselves, our colleagues and…

The Members’ Services Fair is an opportunity for Members and their staff to find out more about the full range of support, services and facilities provided by the House Service and the work of different teams across Parliament. A series of talks and panel discussions will be held in the Macmillan Room on Monday 18…

READ HERE for the full call for fellows. https://balfourproject.org/bp/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Call-for-Balfour-Project.pdf The Balfour Project intends to appoint up to twenty Peace Advocacy Fellows for the academicyear 2021-22. If you are a post-graduate or final year undergraduate student with an interest in the the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, you are welcome to apply. The selected fellows will be paid a…

The Members Services Team have some drop-in Q&A Sessions coming up: Creating a safe workspace for Members’ staff, 10 September 10-11am – https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?f=1979   Members’ staff training, 14 September 2-3pm – https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/notification/index.php?update=4665   Workplace adjustments and the IPSA Disability Fund, 8 October 10-11am https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=4627   Stress Awareness (with Mind) and Movember, 2 November 10-11am –…

Members of Parliament handle a high volume of immigration, nationality and asylum enquiries from constituents. The Commons Library has produced a briefing which provides a brief overview of the UK’s immigration and asylum system and basic British nationality law. It also outlines the legal restrictions on giving immigration advice, gives some suggestions on handling constituents’…

w4mp has been asked to remind all MPs and their staff to be careful not to disclose any of the MP Hotlines details to constituents, as they can only deal with MPs and their staff. It’s very easy to pass on these details inadvertently, especially when forwarding emails, so do check that the hotline details…

MPs’ offices are receiving a large number of requests for assistance from constituents with relatives, friends and colleagues stranded in Afghanistan. In order to help your MP to assist you in the most efficient way, please read this quick guide: https://w4mp.org/w4mp/w4mp-guides/in-the-constituency/casework-guides/issue-by-issue/afghanistan/

Parliament has been recalled on Wednesday 18 August 2021 to debate the situation in Afghanistan. You can find relevant Commons Library research and analysis on the Commons Library website here: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/type/research-briefing/ Please note that the situation in Afghanistan is fast moving and briefings should be read as correct at the time of publication.

With the developing situation in Afghanistan, we have been updating the hotlines list as soon as we have received further contact information and useful links, so please do keep checking back to the list online. If you have any useful contacts or information that are not on our list, please do let us know. Please…

We are all deeply affected by the situation in Afghanistan and the human tragedy that we are seeing.  All MPs and their staff understand that constituents are extremely anxious about their friends and relatives in Afghanistan and want to do all they can to help them. Every MP is trying to help a lot of…

As the situation in Afghanistan develops, w4mp is trying to obtain hotline contact details to assist MPs’ offices. The hotlines list has been updated this morning and will be updated each time new information is received. Please let w4mp know if you have any contact details or other useful information which is not on the…

Parliamentary Staffers Awards now open!! Prospect Magazine and MAPSA are delighted to announce that entries to the third annual Parliamentary Staffers Awards are now open, so please get nominating!! We know how difficult the last year has been for staff and offices of every MP and Peer, with unprecedented increases in workloads and stress, alongside…

This course aims to support the Member’s staff to build confidence and skills to deal with distressed callers. This is also an important part of new starters induction training. Course Overview Module 1: Mental Health Awareness Session Module 2: Communication Skills Module 3: Suicide/serious self-harm calls Module 4: Difficult Calls Module 5: An open session…

Over the recess, PDS is still offering digital coaching sessions on a range of topics- including Teams, cyber security and office 365 (for both new starters and longstanding staff). To book please see here. (Parliamentary network account required) For 24/7 technical support the Support Desk is available as usual on 020 7219 2001.

House of Commons Library Briefing The Commons Library has produced a briefing on gift vouchers and insolvency, relating to what happens to consumers’ gift vouchers and other prepayments when a retailer becomes insolvent. You can read the summary and download the full briefing here: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn06540/

The Wellbeing Hub for Members’ staff can now be accessed directly from your desktop using the orange and blue icon which should now have appeared. The Wellbeing Hub brings together all resources into one place, with information on what support services are available and ideas, tools and templates to support you with your wellbeing. It is…

This is an event from the Wellness Working Group Wednesday 14 July 1410:00 AM – 11:00 AM Nick Gazzard from the Hollie Gazzard Trust talking to the group about Hollie’s story and the work of the Trust. He will be joined by Neil Cahalin from Member Security Services at the House to speak about available…

This is a briefing / Q&A session from the Members’ Services Team. National Audit Office (NAO) / Education Team The National Audit Office is the nation’s independent spending watchdog. It reports to, and is funded by, Parliament to value for money reports on subjects ranging from HS2, Defence contracts, local authority finances, Covid-19, to environmental…

The regional roadshows are getting a revamp and the Members’ Services Team would love to hear your thoughts on what should be included. All MPs’ staff are invited to contribute. If you are available 15 July 9.30 – 10.15am and would be willing to provide them with some feedback about what should be included in…

This is an event from the Wellness Working Group Thursday 8 July 2021 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Author of the Sunday Times Bestseller, The Well Gardened Mind, Sue Stuart-Smith will join us to talk about the benefits of nature for wellbeing. “In a powerful combination of contemporary neuroscience, psychoanalysis and brilliant storytelling, The Well…

This session, aimed at MPs and their HR proxies, is run by the Members’ HR Advice Service to supplement the Best Practice Guide to Office Restructures. The session will provide information about how to manage restructuring the office when you are considering reorganising your staffing resources to respond to changing priorities. It will cover employer…

This is an event from the Wellness Working Group. Tuesday 29 June 2021 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Jamie Bristow is Director of The Mindfulness Initiative, a policy institute about mindfulness and compassion training that grew out of a programme of mindfulness teaching for politicians in the British Parliament. The Mindfulness Initiative provides the secretariat…

The Registrar of Members’ Financial Interests runs workshops for Members and their staff on the following subjects together with the next available dates. ‘Openness and Registering Members’ Financial Interests’, covering: How to help your Member register and declare interests The rules on paid lobbying by MPs How and when to register your own interests Thursday…

This session, aimed at MPs and their HR proxies, is run by the Members’ HR Advice Service to supplement the Best Practice Guide to Office Restructures. The session will provide information about how to manage restructuring the office when you are considering reorganising your staffing resources to respond to changing priorities. It will cover employer…

All MP Staff Q&A Session – Creating a safe workplace for Members’ staff – guidance on bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct 10:00 – 10:45 – Thursday 10 June 2021 Open to all of the staff of MPs.  For further information and booking, please see https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=4492  

Please note that, when trying to access these courses, if you receive automated messages such as “you don’t have Moodle” or “it is not for learners”, please check, in the first instance that you have valid security clearance by contacting the Security Vetting Team.  If you do have valid security clearance and still receive error messages,…

All Members’ Staff Virtual Q&A Session: UKVI/Passport office / Civil Service Sports Council This session is open to all staff of all MPs. 10:00 – 11:00 – 24 June 2021 For further information and booking, please visit https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=3963

All MP Staff Q&A Session – Creating a safe workplace for Members’ staff – guidance on bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct 10:00 – 10:45 – Thursday 10 June 2021 Open to all of the staff of MPs.  For further information and booking, please see https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=4492  

This session, aimed at MPs and their HR proxies, is run by the Members’ HR Advice Service to supplement the Best Practice Guide to Office Restructures. The session will provide information about how to manage restructuring the office when you are considering reorganising your staffing resources to respond to changing priorities. It will cover employer…

Members’ staff are invited to learn more about the Vote Office and the services we offer to support their work. Friday 11 Jun 2021, 11:00 – 11:40 on MS Teams Booking essential.  For full details please see here: https://intranet.parliament.uk/business-news/news-current-issues/whats-on/2021/june/introduction-to-the-vote-office-training-for-members-staff/