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A look into ParliREACH’s latest report into racism in Westminster
Workplace racism and discrimination are more talked about now than they have ever been in recent memory. There exists a plethora of organisations and institutions whose purpose it is to draw our attention to racism at work, often shining light to reveal discrimination in places we did not expect. One place that we may not…
Rough Sleeping in Westminster
Many passholders and visitors have raised concerns about the people who sleep in the area around the parliamentary estate and have expressed a wish to help improve the situation for those living in such difficult circumstances. Two events have been organised in conjunction with Westminster City Council and St Mungo’s so that you can learn…
Skype live Q&A session with the Director of Security
On Tuesday 4th February from 14.00-15.00 MP’s and their staff are invited to a Skype live question and answer session with the Director of Security, Eric Hepburn, and Deputy Director, Emily Baldock. This is the first time that security has done a live question and answer session via Skype and we hope that staff, who…
Making a complaint about an MP
Occasionally, w4mp is asked by constituents to investigate complaints about MPs. Unfortunately this is not something which is in our remit and we are not able to help. Please see our guide to making complaints about an MP for further information.
Upcoming training courses
Here is the current list of training courses that staff can sign up for. Courses are free of charge to all Members’ staff who are paid through IPSA’s staffing allowance and travel costs to training events can be met from the expenses scheme administered by IPSA. There are two new courses: Managing Suicidal Conversations Advice…
MP and Staffers’ guide to Mental Health
The MP and Staffers’ Guide to Mental Health has been updated and is full of useful information on how to support and signpost constituents with mental health needs. We highly recommend that you read this guide. Here’s what’s in it: Quick-reference guide An overview of mental health How much help should you give? How to…
New HMRC Guides for MPs and Staff
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs have updated their very helpful booklets, explaining how they can help you to help your constituents. The two booklets are: HMRC Casework guide for MPs and Staff HMRC guide for MPs managing their own tax affairs They are available in the following formats: English Welsh Accessible Version – English only…
Life for a new MP on BBC News website
Do take a moment to watch this behind-the-scenes feature on what it’s like to be a new member on the BBC news website. This was facilitated by the Commons Media Team and features interviews with General Election Senior Responsible Owner, Marianne Cwynarski and Managing Director of Research and Information, Penny Young.
Wikipedia/Wikidata for new and returning MPs
As soon as the first election results were announced on 12 December, Wikipedians – the volunteers who write and edit Wikipedia – sprang into action, updating Wikipedia’s articles about the election itself, about every individual constituency, and about every single MP. The volunteers also added data, including for example MPs’ websites, Twitter names and Facebook profiles, to…
Hive Support Agency: staff recruitment in Parliament
We’ve been contacted by Hive. They say: We provide an independent and professional service to MPs to assist with their recruitment and ongoing management of staff. We have over 30 years’ experience of working in Parliamentary Offices and understand the unique relationship between an MP and their team. By outsourcing recruitment and HR to us…