behaviour code

Behaviour Code Training for MPs’ Staff

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This training is essential for all MPs staff, and it is booked up many weeks in advance.

Please do book on to the first available course here: Course: Behaviour Code – Why it matters for all new Members’ Staff.

The Behaviour Code outlines clear guidelines on how you should be treated, and how you should treat others.

These guidelines apply to everyone who visits and works in Parliament.  

You should:

  • Respect and value everyone – bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct are not tolerated
  • Recognise your power, influence or authority and don’t abuse them
  • Think about how your behaviour affects others and strive to understand their perspective
  • Act professionally towards others
  • Ensure Parliament meets the highest ethical standards of integrity, courtesy and mutual respect
  • Speak up about any unacceptable behaviour you see

Unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with seriously, independently and with effective sanctions.

Independent Expert Panel first annual report

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03 March 2022

The Independent Expert Panel (IEP) has published its first annual report. 

The IEP decides appeals and determines sanctions in complaints against MPs of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct under the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS). It decided six cases last year, upholding complaints against two current and three former MPs. Three were for sexual misconduct and two for bullying.

The IEP is independent of MPs and the House Service and is chaired by retired Appeal Court Judge, Sir Stephen Irwin. The eight panel members are drawn from a diverse range of professional and personal backgrounds. You can find out more about the Panel and read their reports on their website.

Introducing the annual report, the IEP’s Chair Sir Stephen Irwin said:

“We were created to ensure that complaints about bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct by MPs are decided completely independently, and in a fair and rigorous manner that rebuilds the confidence of the Parliamentary community and the public.

Through our public reports we have demonstrated that MPs who bully, harass, or commit sexual misconduct against, their staff, House staff, other MPs or anyone else in the Parliamentary community can be held to account. 

We are only the most visible part of the ICGS process. We rely on the work of the ICGS team, the independent investigators, and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. They ensure that investigations are rigorous, fair to all, and that those involved are supported through the process.

It is of cardinal importance that complainants feel able to come forward. We pay tribute to them, and the House owes them a debt.”

The annual report is available on the Parliament website.

If you have any questions about the work of the IEP please email the Secretary to the Panel Ian Bradshaw ([email protected]).   

Who can I talk to for support?

If you have experienced an incident that is not in line with our Behaviour Code we encourage you to reach out to the people and services available to you for advice, support and help. You can find how to access support, and how to make a complaint on the ICGS website.  

Bullying and Harassment and Sexual Harassment support services

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Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) Helpline: supporting those affected by bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct

Call: 0808 168 9281 (freephone)

Email: [email protected]

The Helpline is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday

If you feel you have experienced, witnessed, been accused of or are supporting someone  with bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) Helpline can provide you with emotional support and guidance on the options available to you and the processes involved.

The ICGS Helpline is confidential and independent of Parliament. The service is delivered Victim Support, an independent charity who provide specialist support services to those affected by crime and traumatic events.

The Helpline is available to current and former members of the Parliamentary community, whether your experience happened on the Parliamentary Estate, in a constituency office, or while undertaking parliamentary work elsewhere. It is also available to visitors to the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster.

In addition to the support provided by the helpline, direct access is available to an Independent Sexual Misconduct Advisor (ISMA), who can provide immediate and ongoing support through all elements of your enquiry or complaint and help you decide what you would like to do. #

For further information on the options available to you through the ICGS Helpline please visit the ICGS Intranet Site.