ParliOUT workplace equality network

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ParliOUT is a Workplace Equality Network in support of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) staff in Parliament. Unlike some minority groups, sexuality is often invisible.

A principal aim of ParliOut is to make LGBT role models more visible and accessible. We also intend the network to provide a welcoming social forum, building a wider informal support network of people from across Parliament.

We organise a variety events from evening socials to guest speaker events as well as providing a free, confidential Advice and Guidance service for all ParliOUT members.

For more information about ParliOUT and to join the ParliOUT mailing list, please email parliout@parliament.uk

 

MP and Staffers’ guide to Mental Health

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The guide referred to here is no longer available. Please consult the Mental Health Guidance and toolkit page on Parlinet.

 

Here’s something really useful we spotted at the Open Day for constituency-based staff on 9 July: MP and Staffers’ guide to Mental Health.

Apparently it’s been around for a year or so but we hadn’t seen it before and we suspect many of you hadn’t either.

Here’s what’s in it:

  • Quick-reference guide
  • An overview of mental health
  • How much help should you give?
  • How to help someone in distress
  • Handling difficult emails and phone calls
  • Signposting and local information
  • Glossary

You can view it on the Mind website here.

As an aside from those of us at W4MP who have been around for a bit: if you are new to the job you might just be thinking that you are the only one who has ever had to help constituents with mental health problems.  Everyone who has ever worked for an MP, and particularly those based in constituency offices and dealing with casework, tends to be surprised how much of an issue this can be, particularly in your first few weeks.  Hopefully this booklet will help you put things in perspective.  Good luck!

The leaflet is a joint production by:

Confidentiality agreement for signature by volunteers, interns, etc

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Now here’s something useful.  We were asked for a model confidentiality agreement which could be used for interns, volunteers etc working for a period in a Member’s office.

We suggest the following wording but, obviously, you can customise it to suit your own needs:
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Confidentiality agreement for signature by volunteers, interns, agency and contract staff etc

I undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any information which may be acquired by me in the course of my activities supporting the office of _____________________ MP. I understand that while supporting the Members’ office I may have access to personal information about others. I undertake to act only on the instructions of the Member when handling this information, and to observe the data protection principles as set out in the Data Protection Act 2018.

I undertake not to publish or otherwise disclose any such information to any third party, or to use it for any purpose, unless authorised by the Member. I expressly acknowledge that these undertakings will continue to have effect after my activities in the Member’s office have ceased.

Signed ____________________________________ Date ________________

W4MP’s Notices facility is for all with parliamentary email addresses

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  • Need a flat/room or got one to let?
  • Items to sell or things you need?
  • Got details of clubs or teams and are looking for new members?
  • Or anything else you think may be of interest to your colleagues?

Then use our Notices facility. You can submit it here.

Please note that we can only accept notices from those with a current @parliament.uk email address.

If you have just started working at Westminster or in a constituency office and don’t have a parliamentary email address yet, ask a colleague to place a Notice for you.

You can see the current notices here.