Whether you are new to the job or have been in it for ever, fresh questions keep cropping up. This list of FAQs is entirely random so, if you think we have missed anything essential, let us know.
We want to keep the site up-to-date, so if you have alternative answers to these questions or if you have new queries you want answered, please get in touch by using the Feedback Form or using the Ask Us a Question facility. Please note that this is for MPs' Staff only: if you don't work for an MP please contact the Commons Information Office.
There's lots more information and advice on our Guides and Good Practice pages. The Working for an MP website aims to serve all MPs’ staff: those based in the constituency as well as those working at Westminster.
If you haven't looked at our basic induction guide, "How to Survive Your First 10 Days Working for an MP", that should be your next stop.
|
What happens to existing casework when there is a change of MP? |
The main issue here is Data Protection.
When someone ceases to be an MP, they cannot continue to process the case, and should write to the Constituents to inform them of this. The former Member should also seek written agreement from the Constituent to pass the case work onto the new Member. If permission is not granted, the file should be returned to the Constituent, or destroyed as appropriate. Published on
29/09/2007,
last revised
29/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Where do I get help for research? |
Derby Gate Library for researchers and secretaries 3666 (previously 3636)
Published on
18/10/2007,
last revised
18/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
I am finding it hard to establish exactly which Minister has responsibility for a particular area of policy. Where can I get this information? |
Get a copy of the List of Ministerial Responsibilities which contains full details of all the Government Departments and individual Ministers within them. This is quite indispensable as it lists all the government departments and shows the responsibilities of each Minister together with addresses, telephone and fax numbers. It also lists many other government agencies. To get a copy pick one up at any of the Vote Offices (x 3631). Also available on the Cabinet Office website at: www.knowledgenetwork.gov.uk/elmr/minister.nsf which has the advantage of being updated regularly to reflect Ministerial changes.
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Is it correct to inform a constituent that an MP can only intervene with complaints relating to government agencies and that if they have a complaint about a private company, they need to contact the company directly with their complaint? |
Yes. MPs should avoid intervening in disputes with private companies.
Individuals should follow the company's complaints procedure and, if they do not receive a satisfactory outcome, they should contact Consumer Direct. They may also wish to seek legal advice, either via the Citizens' Advice Bureau or a solicitor. In the case of a financial institution, the individual should contact the Financial Ombudsman, and in the case of a solicitor, the individual should contact the Legal Complaints Service Published on
29/09/2007,
last revised
29/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Where can I get hold of telephone hotline numbers for use by MPs and their staff? |
Several agencies, which you will have to contact regularly on behalf of constituents, have set up hotlines for use by MPs’ and their staff only. These are not for use by the public. We periodically update the list and publish information on how to access it on http://www.w4mp.org/html/library/guides/hotlines.asp The Guardian Unlimited web pages include a facility, aimed at the general public, but of some use to caseworkers and others. It's called "MP's Surgery" and you can access it at: http://politics.guardian.co.uk/mpsurgery
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Where can I find the address of a particular Government Agency or NGO? |
A good place to start is the
DirectGov Website,
which has a directory of Government and non-Government organisations. If you
can't find it there, try using a search engine such as
Google or
Alta Vista.
Published on
29/09/2007,
last revised
29/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
What is the basis of the oft-quoted “strict parliamentary protocol” that MPs don’t take up problems on behalf of constituents of other MPs? A constituent has challenged us and I need to be able to quote chapter and verse on this. |
Have a look at: http://www.w4mp.org/html/library/guides/0403_protocol.asp
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Can you still pay (AVCs) Additional Voluntary Contributions into your pension fund? |
Yes, but via the pension provider direct, not via Dept of Finance & Admin.
Published on
18/10/2007,
last revised
18/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
What happens to my job at election time |
At the Dissolution (i.e. when the current parliament ends), an MP becomes an "ex-Member" and assuming he or she is standing again, becomes one of the candidates. Neither the MP nor any of her/his staff may use any of the facilities of the House of Commons. The Serjeant at Arms Dept will help with specific questions and the Palace Authorities are already planning detailed arrangements for the next General Election. During the Dissolution it is quite legitimate to carry on with casework and advice surgeries, but your MP will be doing this (as will you on her/his behalf) as a candidate, not as an MP any longer. So you cannot use House of Commons stationery, envelopes, etc and access to MPs' hotlines will be limited. You will continue to receive replies from Government departments and other agencies. Have a look at our guide on Dissolution arrangements for the 2005 election.
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How many days leave are part time staff entitled to? Is this the same as full time staff? |
Part-time staff holiday entitlement should be pro-rata that of full time staff.
For official guidance, please contact the Personnel Advice Service on x2080.
Published on
02/10/2007,
last revised
02/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How many days of annual leave do I get in my second year of employment? |
Your contract should give you details of how many days holiday you are entitled to. If you are on the standard House of Commons contract for permanent staff, you are entitled to 20 days in your first year, and 25 days thereafter.
For official guidance, please contact the Personnel Advice Service on x2080.
Published on
02/10/2007,
last revised
02/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
I understand that Members’ staff are entitled to a pension, paid on top of their salary. Where can I get more information? |
There’s lots of information on the Parliamentary Intranet, including application forms. You first stop is the intranet and you can get detailed advice by emailing pensionsmpstaff@parliament.uk. Staff are entitled to a 10% non-contributory pension. Sadly, some don’t bother to sign up for their pension; don’t be one of these. It’s free for goodness sake!
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Is there an HR or personnel department I can talk to in confidence? |
Yes. You can contact the Commons Dept of Finance & Admin’s Personnel Advice Service on 020 7219 2080.
You might also like to contact the TGWU Parliamentary Staff branch. They have a page on W4MP at: http://www.w4mp.org/html/personnel/reps/tgwu.asp.
Published on
29/09/2007,
last revised
29/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
MPs have a responsibility to declare their outside interests. Does this involve me as well? |
Yes. As staff of Members, you have to register: (1) any relevant paid employment you are engaged in outside Parliament and (2) gifts or other benefits which relate to your work in Parliament of a value greater than £290. There’s full information on the Internet at: www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmsecret/memi01.htm The Office of the Commissioner for Standards administer Registers of Interest and advice can be obtained by emailing standardscommissioner@parliament.uk.
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
My contract states that I must work a 37½ hour week. Do I get paid for my lunch break? |
No, your 37.5 hours does not include your one hour dinner break. Therefore your standard working day would be 7.5 hours, e.g. 9 to 5.30 with an hour for dinner.
For official guidance, contact the Personnel Advice Service on x2080.
Published on
02/10/2007,
last revised
02/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
What information is available in relation to maternity/paternity/adoption leave & pay? |
The Department of Finance & Administration's intranet site has several fact sheets. You can access the F&A intranet by following the link from the Parliamentary intranet homepage. Go to the index and select 'Personnel Advice Service' and then 'Guidance/Factsheets'.
For further information, contact the Personnel Advice Service on x2080.
Published on
03/10/2007,
last revised
03/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How many hours does a Staffer work? |
In some ways being in politics is like being in the priesthood and you do whatever hours are required because you believe in what you are doing. The hours to which you are contracted will usually be 35 per week but we know of few Staffers who restrict themselves to these times and there are some who are breaching the EU working time directive. Even so, MPs rarely have space in their budgets to pay overtime!
Published on
05/05/2007,
last revised
05/05/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How much do Members’ staff get paid? |
Theoretically, staff can get paid between £13,082-38,623 – but in reality the range is about £16-27,000. MPs get a staffing allowance of £90,505 from which they pay all their staff and it is intended to be enough for three full-time Staffers. Practice varies widely amongst MPs on how many staff are part- or full-time and whether they are based in the constituency or at Westminster.
Have a look at the pay scales effective 1 April 2007. If you hear of any MPs paying £38,000 for a Researcher, then let us know and we’ll begin a long-term charm offensive.
Published on
03/01/2007,
last revised
05/01/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Where can I find information on salaries for staff working in the European Parliament? |
There's lots of information on the Europa website but the main document on salaries and allowances appears to be the Staff Regulations book, which can be found
here.
Published on
02/10/2007,
last revised
02/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Are MPs staff eligible for the Government's cycle to work scheme for bikes? |
As employers, Members may register for the scheme, which has costs as well as benefits for Members' staff. Any Member doing so would be responsible for administering the scheme and ensuring that the scheme rules were met.
Published on
29/09/2007,
last revised
29/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Can staffers cycle to work? |
Yes, but only if you are a full pass-holder; you will have to show their pass upon arrival at the Parliamentary Estate.
Cycle racks are provided on the west side of Star Chamber Court, in alcoves along the Colonnade and in the inner courtyard of Norman Shaw North. Published on
29/09/2007,
last revised
29/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How can you get information on rules, regulations and guidelines? |
Via the Serjeant at Arms (SAA) section on the Intranet site, or ring the SAA office on x3226
Published on
18/10/2007,
last revised
18/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How do I arrange tours? |
For a full tour Monday is the only safe day. Large groups must be booked months in advance.
Ring 3003 and send in a completed tour form to confirm (by email is easiest). Tour forms are available on the intranet. Published on
18/10/2007,
last revised
18/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How do I book rooms in the Palace of Westminster? |
Before you ring to book a room, you will need the following information:
For Committee Room bookings in the main building and in Portcullis House, you need to ring x3090 For interview rooms off Westminster Hall, ring x3762 For rooms in outbuildings ring your local Attendant at reception For ballots for the large rooms where catering is permitted (ie Macmillan Room, Attlee Suite, Jubilee Room), ring x3090 Published on
18/10/2007,
last revised
18/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How many guests can I bring to the main estate/palace? |
Four, unless you have a contractor pass, in which case you cannot take any guests onto the estate.
Published on
18/10/2007,
last revised
18/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
I think I'm getting RSI. Where can I get help? |
The Occuptational Health Team can help with RSI and ways to help to alleviate the problem.
A Chartered Physiotherapist is available, by appointment, in Portcullis House on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Simply call x4782 to make an appointment and to speak to an advisor. Published on
03/10/2007,
last revised
03/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
When will MPs get their new allotment of PM Question tickets? |
You will need to ring the Allocations Office on x3700 to find out.
Published on
02/10/2007,
last revised
02/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Where can I eat on the Parliamentary Estate? |
As a quick guide, have a look in Day Five of "Exploring Westminster - How to Survive Your First Ten Days Working for an MP". For more detailed information, look at the Refreshment Department site on the Parliamentary Intranet. There's lots of information on opening times, access, menus, bars, cafeterias and souvenir kiosks.
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Are there showers available for use in parliament? |
Yes, there are showers available for use by full passholders. You can find a list of them on the DFA intranet site.
Go to the DFA intranet site for House Staff and click on 'miscellaneous'.
Published on
29/09/2007,
last revised
29/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Where can I watch the proceedings in the House? |
If you are on the Parliamentary Estate, each office has a television set
which is linked to the internal broadcasting system.
If you are not on the Parliamentary Estate, you can either watch the
proceedings on television (the
Parliament Channel can be found on
Freeview channel 81, NTL/Telewest
channel 612, Sky channel 504, Top Up TV channel 85) or watch the proceedings on
the Internet at
ParliamentLive.tv Published on
29/09/2007,
last revised
29/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How do I book gallery tickets? |
For the House of Commons, ring x3700 For the House of Lords, ring x3100 Published on
18/10/2007,
last revised
18/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
What are this year's sitting dates? |
You can see these on the Parliament website
here.
Published on
02/10/2007,
last revised
02/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Can I put my CV on w4mp? |
No, we do not have the facility to do this.
Published on
02/10/2007,
last revised
02/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How do you go from being a Staffer to being an MP? |
Crikey, you could write a book about that! There are several MPs who began as Staffers and there were a number of Staffers who stood at the last election. Your main advantage is that you are exposed to all the current political arguments. If you’re on top of that, it will be hard for local political opponents to catch you out on national issues.
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How much does it cost to advertise a job on w4mp? |
Nothing. It's free, as part of our service to MPs and their staff.
Published on
02/10/2007,
last revised
02/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
I want to work for an MP. How do I find out about jobs vacant and internships? |
Our Job Vacancies page is at: www.w4mp.org/html/personnel/jobs/list_jobs_ref.asp or go to www.w4mp.org/html/library/guides/0402_looking4job.htm for advice on looking for a job. We have a page on Internships at www.w4mp.org/html/library/guides/0404_internships.htm.
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
What are the opportunities to meet Cabinet Ministers and other prominent politicians? |
We would be concerned if this was your reason for wanting to work for an MP. But yes, you do find Cabinet Ministers ahead of you in the coffee queue and you do occasionally bump into the PM and his entourage in the Colonnade prior to PMQs. However, try not to get star-struck – the best time is at party conferences when you get to meet Members at three in the morning when tired and emotional after a hard day’s intellectual exertions.
Published on
01/01/2007,
last revised
01/01/2007 |
|
|
|
|
What kinds of jobs are available in constituency offices? |
There are no rules on how MPs divide their office functions between Westminster and the constituency. However, in the main, you will find Caseworkers in constituency offices. You may also find Staffers responsible for organising local events or managing the local media from the constituency offices.
Published on
04/05/2007,
last revised
05/05/2007 |
|
|
|
|
How do I get a parliamentary email address |
In theory, you first have to attend a Parliamentary Network (PN) course. You are then allocated an email address and given access to the parliamentary Intranet. Ring 020 7219 2001 to book yourself on a course. If you work in a constituency, you can then link up as a “remote user” and use the facilities on a 0800 line, which is free. We strongly advise that you do this as soon as possible; don't wait until your start date to ring. However, if you are confident that your Microsoft Outlook skills are sufficient already, then express that confidence to PCD on x2001 and they may let you forego the training.
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Is is possible to buy stamps, rather than using franked envelopes? |
Yes, you can buy stamps through Parliament and there's three main ways you can do this.
First of all, you can ask your Member to purchase stamps down at the HoC post office and bring them up to you. This isn't much use during recess, though. Secondly, you can buy stamps at your local post office and then complete a C1 form to claim back the money. Thirdly, you can get your Member to open a constituency office current account at a local bank, and add you to the account as a third party signatory. Then, you can have a debit card and purchase stamps at the post office and pay for them using the debit card, or if your Member doesn't want you to have a debit card, he can withdraw cash from the account to give to you to buy stamps. Published on
02/10/2007,
last revised
02/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
We are using a couple of volunteers in our constituency office. Does anyone have a simple agreement which we can ask them to sign – to cover things like observing confidentiality etc |
Yes, we have exactly what you need. Look in our “Setting up the Office” Guide on the old website; see Section 2.7 for some helpful guidelines on using volunteers, including a model Confidentiality Agreement which you are welcome to modify.
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Why should you open letters with a PLASTIC letter-opener and not a metal one? |
If it contains a device which has batteries with loose wires, a metal opener can short-circuit the terminal and set it off!
Published on
18/10/2007,
last revised
18/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
I’m confused by aspects of parliamentary procedure. Is there a useful guide? |
Yes, there are several. We've put together a list of useful sources and you’ll find it at: http://www.w4mp.org/html/library/guides/0405_procedure.asp
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Can you retain membership of an existing union as well as joining the TGWU? |
Yes, provided you are happy to pay two lots of membership subscriptions.
In the event of a dispute, only one union will represent you at any one time.
Published on
18/10/2007,
last revised
18/10/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Is there any organisation that represents the views of MPs’ staff? |
The Secretaries’ and Assistants’ Council acts as a channel between Members, Officers of the House and those secretaries and assistants who are members of the Council. Contact Peter Vines (020 7219 4591 – vinesp@parliament.uk) for more information.
The Parliamentary branch of the UNITE: T&G Section represents the interests of its members and is the most active union amongst MPs’ staff of the major parties, both at Westminster and in the constituency. Contact Dan Whittle whittled@parliament.uk or Kevin Flack (flackk@parliament.uk or 020 7219 6273). The Labour Staff Network exists to deliver the following to all staff of Labour MPs, whether based in Westminster or the constituency: social events, opportunities for involvement in campaigning; and training opportunities. Contact lsn@labourstaff.org. The Liberal Democrat Staff Group provides backup for LibDem staff – Currently the staff chair is is Jonathan Eddy, who can be contacted by email on EDDYJ@parliament.uk or phone 020 7219 4588. The Interns Network looks after the interests of those many interns who work in MPs' offices Our section on Staff Representation lists all of the above as well as Sporting, Social and other groups staff can join but if you know or hear of, or form, any other staff groups, let us know by emailing: editor@w4mp.org. Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Where can I use my pass? |
Here’s the official definition of where you can use your pass: "Members’ staff are authorised by their photo identity pass to enter areas of the Palace and outbuildings which are not accessible to the public. These do not include the Chamber and surrounding areas when the House is sitting or areas and rooms reserved for Members only."
That’s a bit thin on detail so ask your colleagues or anyone you come across. You really only learn by trial and error. Our advice is to risk some errors; just bumble along and if you find yourself somewhere you shouldn’t be, someone in a uniform will set you straight. ALWAYS wear your pass.
Still lost? There’s some information we put together on maps of the parliamentary estate at: http://www.w4mp.org/html/library/hoc/maps.asp
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
|
Does anyone run induction courses for Members’ staff? |
A company called WWP runs induction courses for staff as well as a number of other training courses. Details can be found in the
Training Courses section of the w4mp site. The Library also organises training sessions and you can find out about them on the same page.
Published on
01/09/2007,
last revised
01/09/2007 |
|
|
|
You can also