The earlier issue with Internet access in Parliament has now been resolved. Please reboot your machine. If you are still having difficulties after rebooting your machine, please contact PDS.
PDS
PDS Summer Training Sessions
Standard| Date | Topic | How to sign up |
| Thursday 28 July 2pm | Cyber Security Briefing essential to understanding the risks and mitigations around cyber security for us all, both in and out of work | Registration form for webinar here |
| Friday 29 July 10am | Introduction to Microsoft Teamstips on using Teams as a tool to organise and communicate. Learn about chats, channels, calendar, calls and files | Registration form for webinar here |
| Tuesday 2 August 11am | Accessibility features demonstration from Microsoft Microsoft are running a session on how to use the inbuilt accessibility features on your Windows device and Microsoft365 applications | Email the Digital Service Accessibility Champions |
| Thursday 4 August 2pm | Introduction to SharePointtips on how to use SharePoint as a tool for creating, saving and collaborating on shared documents | Registration form for webinar here |
| Friday 5 August 10am | Introduction to OneDrivetips on how to use OneDrive as a tool for individual work, document storage and remote access to personal files | Registration form for webinar here |
| Thursday 11 August 2pm | Using Microsoft Outlook effectivelytips for managing your mailbox and getting the best out of available features | Registration form for webinar here |
| Friday 12 August 10am | Microsoft Plannerhow to use Planner to work collaboratively and manage team tasks, projects and work streams | Registration form for webinar here |
| Thursday 18 August 2pm | Introduction to Microsoft Teams tips on using Teams as a tool to organise and communicate. Learn about chats, channels, calendar, calls and files | Sign up for webinar here |
| Friday 19 August 10am | Cyber Security Briefingessential to understanding the risks and mitigations around cyber security for us all, both in and out of work | Registration form for webinar here |
| Thursday 25 August 2pm | Introduction to OneDrivetips on how to use OneDrive as a tool for individual work, document storage and remote access to personal files | Registration form for webinar here |
| Friday 26 August 10am | Introduction to SharePointtips on how to use SharePoint as a tool for creating, saving and collaborating on shared documents | Registration form for webinar here |
| Thursday 1 September 2pm | Microsoft Plannerhow to use Planner to work collaboratively and manage team tasks, projects and work streams | Registration form for webinar here |
| Friday 2 September 10am | Using Microsoft Outlook effectivelytips for managing your mailbox and getting the best out of available features | Registration form for webinar here |
Mailbox Full?
StandardYour mailboxes have a maximum size limit of 80gb. If you go over this, then you will no longer be able to receive incoming messages and the senders will get bounce messages.
To prevent this from happening, PDS is asking MPs and their staff to either delete or archive old messages. If you choose to archive them, then they will still be accessible to you; the archive size is unlimited.
To see how much of your mailbox you have used, right-click on your inbox folder and select ‘properties.
When the properties box appears, click on ‘folder size’ and then wait a few moments to calculate it. Look at the total size including subfolders and divide it by 1,000,000 to get the size in gb.
Even if you are not nearing the 80gb limit, it is good practice to delete unwanted emails or archive older ones that you may wish to refer to in future – it makes searching your inbox quicker, and archived emails take up less space. If you get into the habit of regular housekeeping – deleting or archiving emails as you go along – it makes your inbox much easier to manage, so go on, give it a go!
Virtual IT Coaching Sessions for MPs’ Staff
StandardPDS are offering virtual IT coaching sessions to MPs’ staff
PDS local engagement officers would normally travel to visit constituencies to assist MPs and their staff with training and general IT concerns but during the Covid 19 crisis their focus has changed to offer this support remotely.
You can now book a remote coaching session on a variety subjects including: Cyber Security, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and OneNote. Sessions are open to all, you can book for your team or take advantage of a 1-2-1 coaching session. Sessions last 45 minutes and are delivered at your own pace, no previous technical knowledge is required.
To find out more and book a session click here: https://intranet.parliament.uk/computers-equipment/advice-and-support/support-for-constituency-offices/
Virtual Regional Roadshows
StandardThe extremely popular regional roadshows were suspended because of COVID-19. However, worry not, for the Customer Team has taken them online instead.
Rather than full day events, they have been broken down into 90-minute sessions, giving you a chance to learn about the range of services available, to influence future service provision and to share experience and knowledge with other staff working in your Region.
For full details, please go to the intranet page here: https://intranet.parliament.uk/business-news/news-current-issues/events/regional-constituency-events/
The current schedule is:
- North East – Tuesday 30 June 2020
- West Midlands – Tuesday 14 July 2020
- Wales – Tuesday 28 July 2020
- South West – Tuesday 4 August 2020
- East – Tuesday 18 August 2020
- London – Tuesday 25 August 2020
- East Midlands – Tuesday 1 September 2020
More dates will be added later.
NEW: Coronavirus Hub on the intranet
StandardThere is now a Coronavirus Hub on the parliamentary intranet.
It contains everything you need to know about Parliament’s response to coronavirus, including how to work remotely, what services are available and how access has been affected. It is for Members of both Houses, staff in the Lords, Commons and PDS and people who work for MPs and Members of the House of Lords.
Please click here to access it: https://intranet.parliament.uk/employment/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus-hub/
Remote working and cyber-security
StandardWhilst most people are now working remotely, it’s tempting to add lots of new apps to your computers and devices.
Please be aware that must not download any apps or software onto Parliamentary devices without seeking advice and permission from PDS first.
Any software that conflicts with security systems or with the safe operation of parliamentary equipment will be removed by PDS.
Please read the guidance here: https://intranet.parliament.uk/security/cyber-security/choose-software-and-apps-carefully/
Introducing the new Director of the Parliamentary Digital Service
StandardHeading into the future without forgetting the past – A Parliamentary Digital Service Blog Post
2017 has included some unexpected things for the PDS. In her first week, Tracey Jessup talks about becoming the new Director, what PDS has achieved so far and what the future holds.
Read more at the Parliamentary Digital Service Blog: https://pds.blog.parliament.uk/2017/09/15/heading-into-the-future-without-forgetting-the-past/
The eyes and ears of Hansard
StandardThe eyes and ears of Hansard – A Parliamentary Digital Service Blog Post
Hansard isn’t only about the written word. They also stream and record more than 70 hours of live video every day when there’s a full set of Parliamentary proceedings to cover.
Read more on the PDS Blog: https://pds.blog.parliament.uk/2017/09/13/the-eyes-and-ears-of-hansard/
Developing our skills through 10% time
StandardDeveloping our skills through 10% time – A Parliamentary Digital Service Blog Post
You might have heard of companies which let their employees spend a percentage of their time on creative projects that will benefit them. Emma Allen introduced this in the last organisation she worked for and she’s blogged about doing the same for her teams at PDS.
Read more on the PDS Blog: https://pds.blog.parliament.uk/2017/09/08/developing-our-skills-through-10-time/