News
There’s an interesting article in this week’s New Statesman about the life at Westminster for single parent MPs – although there are no official figures, it is thought that the 2017 intake of MPs had the highest ever number of single parents.
The full article is on the New Statesman website.
Did you know that the UK Parliament has a YouTube channel?
As well as subtitled recordings of Prime Minister’s Questions, you can also find House of Commons Library Talks, information about how MPs work, the history of Parliament, and much more.
We only advertise jobs with a political dimension over on w4mpjobs, but this role from the human rights organisation Freedom from Torture may appeal to those who’ve had enough of the corridors of Westminster or a dark constituency office – they are looking for a gardener to work 14 hours a week for them.
The purpose of the role is to develop the National Growth Project horticultural work in line with organic and ecological standards and to shape this work around the main principles of horticultural therapy.
The main activities of the role are to have horticultural oversight of the Isledon Road NGP garden and to assist and support the Project and the project workers
The ideal candidate for the role will have the following qualification and skills:
• Qualification in horticulture e.g. Diploma in Horticulture
• Understanding of gardening as a healing process
• Sound experience of organic gardening
• Experience of working with vulnerable adults in a therapeutic setting
• Experience of supporting others in learning about and carrying out gardening activities
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Saba Stefanos, Manager Adult Team on 02076977827.
Contract: Permanent
Part- Time: 14 hrs/week (preferably Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Location: London
Job Ref: R-70
Since 1985 Freedom from Torture has been the only UK human rights organization dedicated to treating and supporting torture survivors who seek refuge in the UK. We do this primarily through psychological therapies but also services which document torture forensically, practical legal and welfare support and creative groups.
Thanks to the dedication of our staff and volunteers – as well as thousands of passionate supporters and funders – thousands of torture survivors have been able to rebuild their lives in incredibly difficult circumstances.
Common Vision is looking for Event Volunteers to support an exciting new event series piloting in 2018. MILLENNIFEST (www.millennifest.co.uk) is all about celebrating and inspiring the young leaders and influencers of today and tomorrow. We have a range of amazing speakers confirmed, including high profile politicians from 5 political parties, social activists and entrepreneurs, social media figures and political commentators.
Volunteers will attend one or more of the following events:
You will gain hands-on experience of events planning and delivery, and have
the opportunity to gain new skills, meet the speakers, and contribute to something very cool.
The following experience or interests are desirable but not essential:
For further information or to apply to become a volunteer please email poppy.reindorp@covi.org.uk
Clear the Lobby (clearthelobby.co.uk/newsletter) is a free email newsletter that explains the laws MPs are voting on each week in plain English.
In just two minutes of reading time a week, subscribers can get a good idea of the issues that politicians are set to debate, much of which is not covered in the mainstream media.
The newsletter goes out every Sunday, allowing enough time for people to write to their MPs if they want them to vote a certain way. Clear the Lobby has won praise from other political transparency projects like MySociety, which runs TheyWorkForYou.
Please note that links to the old Parliamentary intranet have been removed as of October 2023. Please use search on ParliNet to find relevant current details, if available.
https://parlinet.parliament.uk/house-of-commons-members-staff/
Thursday 19 Apr 2018, 15:00 – 19:00
Westminster Hall
Contact: Visit Parliament, 020 7219 4114, visitparliament@parliament.uk
Parliament’s annual recruitment fair will take place on Thursday 19 April in Westminster Hall from 3pm – 7pm.
As spaces are limited, tickets must be booked in advance. Please contact Visit Parliament by email or call 020 7219 4114. Pass holders do not need a ticket.
There will be stalls from departments across both Houses. If you have volunteered to act as a departmental representative, a short meeting will be scheduled nearer to the time to run through any final questions.
WhatDoTheyKnow, mySociety’s Freedom of Information site, launched on 22 February, 2008 — ten whole years (plus a week) ago! They’ve marked its first decade by digging into a little history:
We hope you enjoy – and find the site useful.
Featured image https://www.flickr.com/photos/wocintechchat/25388721144/in/dateposted/ from WOCIntech
The House of Commons has launched a brand new online shop, where you can purchase gifts, books, stationery, food & drink (but not alcohol), toys, clothing, jewellery and homewares.
Have a look here: https://www.shop.parliament.uk/
You are invited to take part in EqualiTeas (18 June-2 July 2018) a UK-wide celebration of our democratic equality that will mark the 90th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1928 in which all people were given the right to vote on an equal basis.
Hold an event or activity
Anyone can hold an EqualiTeas party! Your EqualiTeas event or activity can take any form you would like. It can be big or small, private or public, inside or out! As long as it brings your community together to explore what equality means to people. Pop on the kettle, make a cup of your favourite brew, and have a chat about why you value equality and what it means to you.
Free EqualiTeas pack
Register your EqualiTeas event today and receive a free event pack which includes:
• tablecloth board game
• pack of debate cards
• party banner
• selfie placard
• badges
• cookie cutter and recipe card
We have 4000 packs to be claimed, register for yours before they have gone.
Who we are
EqualiTeas has been developed by the Houses of Parliament as part of its Education and Engagement Service. It is part of Vote 100 which marks 100 years since Parliament passed a law which allowed the first women, and all men, to vote for the first time: the Representation of the People Act 1918.
In November, the Prime Minister convened a cross-party Working Group to establish a new independent complaints and grievance procedure, in response to reports of sexual harassment and bullying in parliament.
The group’s report was published today and can be read on the Parliament website. It has attracted a lot of press coverage: