Access to Justice: Legal aid and services

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A research briefing from the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST).

  • How have changes to legal aid affected access to justice in England and Wales?
  • What are the key trends, impacts and regional disparities in legal support and service provision?

Find out by reading the research briefing here: Access to Justice: Legal aid and services

Structure of the NHS in England (ICBs, trusts, etc) – Caseworker Discussion Forum

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Time: 1030 – 1130
Date: Thursday 12 February 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
Information and booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=1953

With Tom Powell, Manjit Gheera and Rachael Harker from the Commons Library.

MMSST Midlands Roadshow

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Sign up now!

The MMSST will be hosting a roadshow event in the Midlands this February.  

The event forms part of a wider programme of roadshows taking place across the UK this year and offers a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of the wide range of support and services available to you, while also providing a chance to connect and network with colleagues from other local offices.   

The agenda will include informative presentations from IPSA and the Home Office, as well as updates and workshops with House Administration services such as the Library. 

The roadshow will take place on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Please note that it is open only to parliamentary staffers.

To register to attend, please email MMSST@parliament.uk and you will be sent an outlook invitation and further information.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and employment

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Research briefing from POST

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more common in UK workplaces. How is it being used, and what are the impacts on job opportunities and working conditions?

Read the research briefing from POST here: https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pn-0757

Library Talk – The relationship between church and state

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Time: 1400 – 1500
Date: 11 December 2025
Location: Online via Teams
Sign up link: https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=8325

The relationship between church and state is a very old feature of the UK constitution but also little understood.

This Library talk will explore the historical foundations of the UK’s two established churches – England and Scotland – how their relationship with ‘the state’ has evolved over time and what the main obligations and benefits are today.

With the recent announcement of a new Archbishop of Canterbury, the talk will also explain the Lords Spiritual and the King’s role in appointing bishops and archbishops, as well as the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. It will also explain the role of Parliament in Church Measures and the status of ecclesiastical law.

House Services Fair 2025

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Start: 10:00 on Tuesday 9 December 2025
Finish: 17:00 on Wednesday 10 December 2025
Location: House of Commons

The House Administration is delighted to be bringing back the House Services Fair this year, showcasing the services and support available from the House Administration.

The House Administration is delighted to be bringing back the House Services Fair this year, showcasing the services and support available from the House Administration. 

  • Visit stalls in the Portcullis House Atrium to learn about the wide range of support, services, and facilities available to you. 
  • Take part in a special programme of talks and Q&A sessions
  • Enjoy exclusive tours

Please note there is no booking required to visit the stalls. However, booking will be required for talks and tours. The full programme and information on how to book will be available closer to the event.

The House Services Fair is for Members and Members’ staff of the House of Commons, and colleagues from the House of Commons Administration and Joint Departments.  

For full details, please see here: https://parlinet.parliament.uk/events/2025/december/House_Services_Fair/

Library Talk – Local government restructuring

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Time: 1400 – 1500
Date: 4 December 2025
Location: Online via Teams
Sign up link: https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=8324

County and district councils across England have been asked to present plans to Government to reorganise themselves into unitary authorities. Final proposals were due in on 28 November 2025.

This talk looks at what we know about the plans that have been submitted, which plans might be accepted, the timetable for changes, and the challenges of making reorganisation happen.

This will be useful for caseworkers, Commons staff, and anyone else who wants to find out what reorganisation means.

Benefitscast – November 2025

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The monthly Benefitscast from The Benefits Training Company features three of their benefits experts discussing the latest benefits news stories including changes to legislation, DWP announcments, relevant case law and guidance. There are links to the sources of the items discussed, and some that aren’t discussed if they think they might help.

In the November 2025 Benefitscast, David, Will and Pamela discuss:

  • Warm Home Discount
  • Pre-April LCWRA protection
  • Working age Council Tax Reduction schemes
  • Getting full arrears of the carer element in UC
  • Appealing a refusal to revise on grounds of official error; PIP and working caselaw.

You can find the latest Benefitscast here.