We at w4mp are shocked to learn that Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen has died from her injuries after having been attacked outside her advice surgery this afternoon.  We offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends at this awful time.

This is a sad reminder that we all need to be alert and aware of our security, and we strongly recommend that you take a few minutes to read our post here: https://w4mp.org/very-important-information-about-your-safety-and-security/

and also the security advice on the Parliamentary intranet

In the words of Hill Street Blues: “Let’s be careful out there”

The Science and Technology Committee has published a report warning that the UK risks being left behind if the Government does not take more action to address the digital skills crisis.

 

 

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology has recently published a POSTnote on Addressing Islamic Extremism which looks at Islamic extremism, radicalisation and deradicalisation, and the policy responses to violent and non-violent extremism.

Tell POST what you think

If you wish to leave feedback on any of POST publications, please complete this short survey, which will provide them with valuable feedback for future publications.

We’ve listed some staff seminars on our listings page.  Three of the advertised sessions are now full up.

• “Working on how to support an All-Party Parliamentary Group” on Tuesday 7 June
• “Keeping on the right side of the rules” on Wednesday 15 June AND Tuesday 28 June

10:50am – The problems with Outlook and mobile device connections have now been resolved.

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9:15 am – You may be experiencing some problems with Outlook and mobile device connections to the email service this morning.

PDS are working on it, and will get it up and running properly as soon as possible.

In the meantime, you should be able to access email and calendar facilities via the web browser at https://outlook.office365.com

We have published two new guides to internships, one for people who would like to work as an intern in an MP’s office, the other for those lucky people who get to manage them once they’re in place

Both are available in The Library

Managing an Internship in Your Office

Working as an Intern

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) is inviting applications from members of the public that read newspapers and magazines and who have an interest in how they are regulated. IPSO is very keen to have as diverse a group as possible involved in its work, so applications are positively sought from people of all ages and from minority communities, who may not have considered working with a regulator in the past.

The panel will meet three times a year to discuss IPSO’s work and approach and to help senior IPSO staff with the development of new guidelines.

Further information is available here: https://www.ipso.co.uk/aboutus/vacancies.html

Applications are made by short covering letter accompanied by a CV by email: recruitment@ipso.co.uk or by post to: Recruitment, IPSO, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London EC4M 7LG.

PDS has posted about its search for new staff:

We are looking for talented, enthusiastic people who want to work at the heart of democracy, tackling challenging and high profile digital projects that can really make a difference. If you are interested in bringing your digital skills to work in Parliament, come along and find out more about what we do.

At our Open Day you will be able to meet the team, see how we work, look at the projects we are working on and find out what it is really like to work for Parliament.

This is a great time to join us. We are about to publish the first digital strategy for Parliament and we have an exciting and challenging work programme to deliver alongside Members of Parliament and the House of Lords, colleagues across Parliament and the wider public to put digital first.

They are holding an Open Day on Thursday 12 May 2016 between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Full details over on the PDS blog.