London and South East Roadshow 

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Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Date: Thursday 26 June 2025

Members’ staff in London and South East constituencies are invited to attend an upcoming roadshow. The roadshows offer a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of the wide range of support and services available to you, while also providing a chance to network with colleagues from other local offices. The agenda will include presentations from House Administration services, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) and the Home Office.  

For more information on the London and South East roadshow, visit ParliNet or email MMSST@parliament.uk

Evidence Week 2026 – from 6 July 2026

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Bitesize online training sessions for parliamentary staff, provided by the UK’s leading experts including the House of Commons Library, ONS and OSR.

For more information and registration for these sessions, please visit the Evidence Week website

Monday 6 July
Modern information warfare 14:00 – 14:45 (online)
How to combat disinformation in the digital age with the House of Commons Library.

Tuesday 7 July
Use, understand and present numbers well in your work 14:00 – 14:45 (online)
Find out how the Code of Practice for Statistics can help – with the Office for Statistics Regulation.

Wednesday 8 July
Risk Know-How 14:00 – 14:45 (online)
How to understand and present risks effectively with Risk Know-How.

Thursday 9 July
Are you using a reliable survey? 11:00 – 11:45 (online)
How to spot trustworthy survey data with the National Centre for Social Research.

AI fakes 14:00 – 14:45 (online)
What to check with Full Fact.

Friday 10 July
How could changes in different industries and products affect the UK economy? 11:00 – 11:45 (online)
Get trained to use the unique UK calculator with the Office for National Statistics.

How to use spatial insights 14:00 – 14:45 (online)
Access to geographic data that can help address local challenges with Smart Data Research UK.

Making the Chamber work: Behind the scenes with the Serjeant at Arms Team 

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Ever wondered what it takes to keep the House of Commons Chamber running smoothly?

The Serjeant at Arms and his team play a vital role in maintaining order in the House of Commons Chamber, galleries, and committees when the House is sitting. 

Join Serjeant at Arms, Ugbana Oyet, alongside members of the Doorkeeper Team, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their work. This session will offer insights into the history of the SAA Team, their current responsibilities and how they support Members and Members’ staff to make parliament happen.

Booking information

Royal British Legion parliamentary staff event

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Please note the change of date

Time: 1800 – 2100
Date: Thursday 4 June 2026
Location: London

On Thursday 4 June 2026 at 6pm-9pm before the Whitsun recess, the Royal British Legion is planning to hold a reception in Westminster for members of parliamentary staff in London.

The aim of this event will be to inform Members’ staff about the work of RBL, the 2026 Armed Forces Bill, and how we can help with casework support for the Armed Forces community in constituencies across the country.

Buffet and drinks will be provided, and there will also be a bar.

Please do let us know at PublicAffairs@britishlegion.org.uk if you can attend, and if you would like to bring any other staff with you.

Library talk: The 1926 general strike

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Time: 1400-1500
Date: Thursday 7 May 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams

The 1926 general strike: an ‘unconstitutional’ act or legitimate industrial action?  

To mark the centenary of a landmark event in British politics (and the publication of a new book), this talk will explore the background to the strike, its legacy and legality.  

Book your place on Act.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome awareness month 2026

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Online talk: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome awareness month 2026

Time: 1400-1500
Date: Thursday 14 May 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
Further information: Promoting Ehlers Danlos Awareness month or email ParliAble@parliament.uk

Did you know? Although at least 1 in 500 people in the UK are diagnosed with Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), many more remain undiagnosed due to low awareness among the public and healthcare professionals.

To mark International EDS Awareness Month, Gabrielle Fleming partners with ParliAble to share her experience of living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – a hidden disability.

“For years, I lived with symptoms I couldn’t explain while trying to build my career. By sharing my experience, I hope others feel seen and supported, and know that with the right adjustments, chronic conditions don’t have to define or limit us.”

The session will cover:

  • Introduction to EDS
  • Gabrielle’s personal story
  • Workplace adjustments and how you can support colleagues with EDS/HSD
  • Resources for further information and support
  • Q&A

Everyone is welcome – whether you’re affected personally, supporting a colleague, friend or family member, or simply curious to learn more.

About EDS
Ehlers‑Danlos Syndromes are a group of genetic connective tissue disorders often associated with hypermobility (‘double‑jointedness’). Symptoms typically appear in childhood, but issues like chronic pain, fatigue, and mobility challenges may develop later in life. Experiences vary widely from mild to significantly disabling.

Big Ben tours in May

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Members’ staff in the Commons and Lords can now apply for tickets for May tours of the Elizabeth Tower.

Apply for a ticket (staff only)

To apply for a ticket in February, contact the bookings team by 4pm Friday 30 April at visitparliament@parliament.uk with the following information:

  • your name;
  • parliamentary mail address;
  • the tour dates you are available for.

May tours are running on:

  • Wednesday 6 May – 11:45
  • Friday 15 May – 14:45
  • Thursday 21 May – 12:45

Ticket applications must be submitted by 4pm Thursday 30 April. A ballot of tickets will then take place with booking confirmations by 2pm on Friday 1 May. Emails confirming unsuccessful applications will also be sent after the ballot has been drawn. Ticket allocations can’t be changed at this point, so please only apply for dates for which you are available.

ParliNet | Big Ben tours in May

What next for restoration and renewal of parliament?

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An expert panel explores how parliament should approach the major restoration project, including lessons from other countries and industry.

Time: 1230-1330
Date: Monday 11 May 2026
Location: London, in-person and online

The Palace of Westminster is one of the world’s most recognisable historic buildings and the home of the UK parliament. Yet much of the estate is in urgent need of repair. While debates over how to approach the Restoration and Renewal programme have continued for over a decade, other countries have already moved ahead: Austria has completed the renovation of its parliament, and Canada’s is well underway.

In February, the Restoration and Renewal Client Board set out updated costings and recommended two possible paths forward – full decant or enhanced maintenance and improvement. Parliament is expected to debate the Client Board’s report in the coming weeks.  

With the stage now set for parliament to embark on a project that will not only safeguard this historic landmark but also reimagine it for future generations, this IfG event will explore lessons from other international projects, and discuss what the Restoration and Renewal programme could mean for parliament, industry and the wider public.

For full details, please see here: Institute for Government

MMSST Constituency Roadshow Events – North West and North East

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The Members and Members’ staff Services Team will be hosting constituency roadshows in Manchester and Newcastle in May.

These events are specifically for Members’ staff and form part of the wider programme of roadshows taking place across the UK. 

They offer a valuable opportunity for Members’ staff to deepen their understanding of the wide range of support and services provided by the House Administration and IPSA, while also providing a chance to connect and network with colleagues from other local offices. 

To sign-up to the event and for more information about the roadshows please visit ParliNet | North West and North East Roadshows.