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How to Survive Your First Ten Days
Working for a Member of Parliament

Fully revised:   May 2005
(last updated: 13 December 2005)

  Introduction
DAY ONE The Essential Travel Document
DAY TWO Get Lost
DAY THREE Get Connected
DAY FOUR Meet the Locals
DAY FIVE Food
DAY SIX Find a Guide
DAY SEVEN Sources of Information
DAY EIGHT A Day at Your Desk
DAY NINE Being Sociable
DAY TEN For Long-distance Explorers

INTRODUCTION

Well done! Some people try for years to get a job with an MP and here you are. You have entered your office for the first time, the phones are ringing, the second delivery of post has just arrived and an inexplicably grating bell is beginning to give you a migraine. Perhaps your MP is there, oblivious that you don't know where to start and waiting for you to make all the confusion go away.

Don't panic. In your first ten days, you'll be doing a lot of fire fighting - reacting to events and circumstances that seem strange to you but everyone else seems to be taking in their stride. This guide encourages you to take a step back and do certain tasks in those first ten days that will make all the days after that run a little more smoothly.

Again, don't panic. Imagine you are entering a jungle, an alien land full of bizarre practices and mysterious ways. Finding your way around can take years - but fear not - others have trod these paths before, and survived. The locals, so it is said, are largely friendly - once you learn their language and adopt their strange customs.

This guide is aimed not just at the staff of Members who are working in Westminster; much also applies to staff in the constituencies. If you do work in a constituency office, make sure that you get in a visit to the Houses of Parliament (aka: the Palace of Westminster) early on in your career. Persuade your boss that you can't do your job properly until you have attended an Induction Day, done the Library tour, attended a Parliamentary Network (PN) course, and have seen, and can therefore properly describe to enquiring constituents, the key places on the Parliamentary Estate. Interested? Skip to Day Ten at the end, it's especially for you. And when you’ve done that, come back and continue your survival course here.

Don't take "10 Days" too literally; there's advice in here you'll value after 10 months or even 10 years!

Some of the information you need will be found on the Parliamentary Intranet, the private collection of Web pages only accessible to staff and Members. We've marked the links to the Intranet with a ''. You will need to connect to the Intranet and use the index and seach tools provided there to find the material as this public document does not contain full links.

"Wrestle the Members' Handbook from your boss and become familiar, at least, with what it covers, even if you don’t read it all."

The Members' Handbook: This is a guide to all the services provided by Departments of the House of Commons and includes loads of essential telephone numbers. Your MP should have a hard copy of the latest May 2005 edition – available immediately after the May General Election. There will be some extra copies available for staff so get yours now.  You can't do without it! The new edition is pocket sized and packed with vital stuff. However, there is an up to date on-line version, which can be found on the Parliamentary Intranet.

The Palace of Westminster Telephone Directory: If there isn't a copy in your office, ring 020 7219 5270 for one. This is not publicly available and the contents should be treated as confidential.  Click here for information about the latest version or try the parliamentary intranet version.

Facilities and Services for Members' Staff: Hard copies of this brief guide (2005) are available on request in the e-Library and from the Vote Office. It brings together information about a range of issues of interest to staff including: employment, pensions, childcare, training, access on the parliamentary estate as well as business of the House and useful sources of information and support.  Copies will be distributed to new staff at the induction events organised by the Department of Finance and Administration but get one now; see http://www.w4mp.org/html/eni/2004q4/041119_facilities.asp for full information. 

What resulted when the House tried to abolish the top hat worn in divisions?

They decided to have two top hats available instead of one!

The information in what now follows is subject to change, so please let us know of any updating we need to make by using the website's Feedback Form.  

DAY ONE – The Essential Travel Document

When working in the Palace, one of the things you immediately notice is the number of overtly armed Police. Of course they are there to protect you but it can be somewhat disconcerting to work in an environment protected with guns. One thing you don't want to do is give them cause to stop you unnecessarily - you never know if there is some hidden back room with a hard wooden chair and a bright light, under which you are held and interrogated for days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

So the first thing you need is your security pass. Four weeks ago you had the foresight, of course, to fill in an application form for your photo identity pass and to get the form signed by your MP. Now all you need to know is where to find it. (You haven't applied yet? Ring the Pass Administration Office on 020 7219 5920 for a form or fetch one from 1 Canon Row.) The Pass Office is open from 8am to 6pm except during recess (phone beforehand to confirm times as they are subject to change). Before you go, ring 020 7219 5915 to make sure that your form has been security checked, and that the pass is ready to collect. Take your passport or birth certificate plus a proof of your address (e.g. utility bill or bank statement).

To get there, head up towards Whitehall from Parliament Square and turn right at Derby Gate. Walk down the short hill and enter the security area through the gateway.  Getting your pass takes a few minutes, as they need to take your photo. You should be able to take it away with you to use immediately. However, if like me you work in the House itself, then the pass office is at Black Rod’s Gate, which is the first side entrance to the House if you’re coming down Millbank towards the House.

If you don’t have your pass, don’t worry too much, you can still get into the office. You aren’t allowed to be anywhere unaccompanied though. When you start your day you will be given one of the bright stickers that lets everyone know you’re a visitor. Unfortunately you can’t use the same sticker in Portcullis House and then again the Palace. So expect to have to explain your situation to the police again and again.

TIP ONE:
Your first name is Jacqueline or Michael but everyone calls you "Jackie" or "Mike".  
Ask the Pass Office to put your preferred name on the Pass.

TIP TWO:
Before they remember your name, everyone you meet will be either obviously or discreetly attempting to read it from your pass - make sure you are prettified and prepared to have a photo taken when you go to the Pass Office.

TIP THREE:
The pass office is also where you go to get a temporary pass when you have left yours at home. Be nice to the staff there - you never know when you might need their co-operation in future.

Once you have your pass, walk back up towards Whitehall, turn left and after 70 metres enter the building on your left marked 1 Parliament Street. Use your pass to go through the strange circular capsules (they're safe, although there are rumours of an elder statesman having a scary moment after one dinner too many!) and walk straight ahead. Beyond the stairs is an Issue Office (also known as a Vote Office), where you can collect any current Commons papers that you need.

Now go up to the first floor, have a bite to eat in Bellamy's cafeteria and treat yourself to something from the shop. You deserve it! The shop is only opened annually in the run up to Christmas but gifts can be purchased or ordered through the cafeteria. Then, go down two floors and walk through to Portcullis House. Have a look at some of the facilities there: for example, the Post Office, e-Library and eating facilities.

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. For information on which refreshment facilities you can use and when, look at Day Five.

"You will need to be prepared to use plenty of your
own initiative and guesswork in your first heady days"

Unfortunately, the only way to find out the limits of your pass is through trial and error. There are some places that you can get to at any time of the day, there are some places that you can only get to when the House isn’t sitting and then there are plenty of places which you aren’t allowed anywhere near at any time at all.

You now have four options for the rest of your first day:

  • Get straight to work, looking after your MP, helping constituents, saving the world etc.

  • Settle down with a copy of the new slim-line and accessible 2005 Members' Handbook and read through the Introduction (page 3).  If you're really keen, try the Index as well (pp 7-16).  Don't worry; in six months you will have memorised the lot.

  • Go and queue in the rain for the London Eye – just across Westminster Bridge.   Fantastic views of the Palace of Westminster.

  • Start exploring the Westminster jungle, particularly Portcullis House which opened in 2000 and has some great portraits of contemporary politicians. Yes, you are allowed to squeeze in extra days.

Hazard a guess when smoking was banned
a) in the chamber and  b) in the library

Answer: a) 1693 and b) 1999!

DAY TWO – Get Lost

The Parliamentary Estate, particularly the Palace itself, is quite confusingly laid out and even after some years you can find yourself in an unfamiliar place once in a while. Now, you may book yourself on a tour but such things generally stick to the "Line of Route" - an official tour that is really targeted at tourists and does not take into account the needs of someone working in the Palace.     

An unnamed MP jovially commenting to another MP's intern on his relaxed attire: 
"I know it's a Friday but shouldn't you be in your suit?"
Intern to MP - "Yeah, I know it's Friday - shouldn't you be in your constituency?"
The intern's riposte failed to humour the MP.

We suggest you find your way into the Palace and seek out these places, which you may find useful in future. Ask directions from attendants as you go.

  • The Travel Office (click here for info)

  • The Main Vote Office

  • The Terrace Cafeteria

  • The Hairdresser

  • Westminster Hall

  • The Chapel of St Mary's Undercroft (You will need a note from your MP)

  • Central Lobby Post Office

  • The Admissions Order Office

  • The Roof Terrace

  • Upper Committee Corridor

  • Lower Committee Corridor

  • The Public Bill Office

  • The Florist "I don't do bunches, I do arrangements"

  • Lower Waiting Hall

  • The Table Office (click here for info)

You don't have to do this whole list or in this order but it will give you a good idea of the layout of the Palace, the Commons in particular.  To help you find you way around, have a look at our guide maps at: http://www.w4mp.org/html/library/hoc/maps.asp.  When you get onto the Intranet more detailed maps become available; these helpfully include locations of nearest toilet, and more importantly the nearest photocopier.

Once you are tucked up after an exhausting day’s exploration, have a close look at the two maps in the new Members' Handbook - on pages 4 and 5 of the hardcopy.  These show a) the Parliamentary Estate and help you to locate the nether regions such as 7 Millbank and Norman Shaw North, and b) the Principal Floor Plan.

There's also a comprehensive basic guide to "Understanding Parliament" at http://www.parliament.uk/works/introduction.cfm on the public parliamentary website (on the intERnet) as well as on the parliamentary intranet.

"There are corridors in the Houses of Parliament that no-one’s been down since Gladstone’s time.  The trick is to explore at every possible opportunity.  Then, when you are asked to take something to the  Members' Letter Board or Whips' office, you’ll have a rough idea which way to go."

DAY THREE – Get Connected

Without your telephone and email you will be alone. The Parliamentary Communications Directorate (PCD) is your friend and you will find you are calling their extension (x2001) whenever you have a problem. PCD offers a wide range of services to Members and their staff, principally within the Palace of Westminster, but also at what they like to call - significantly - "remote" locations: that's anywhere outside the parliamentary estate but you in the constituency, mainly.  

"Work out how to use the voicemail.  It allows you to go to the loo without thinking you will miss the downfall of the Government…"

Through PCD, you can organise voicemail training and it is worth doing. You can set up your voicemail so that it alerts your mobile when you have a new message.

At the earliest possible date book on a PN course. More acronyms - sorry. This one stands for the Parliamentary Network. Book by ringing 020 7219 2001. Do it now!  You can make your booking before you start your job and, given that there's often a three week waiting list, you are strongly advised to do this.

Attendance on the course is obligatory before you can connect to the PN for the first time. Once you have completed the PDVN training you can have your own email address; you have to admit that bloggsf@parliament.uk has a certain ring to it! Armed with a username and password, you have access to it (and the whole Parliamentary Intranet, as well as other facilities) at no cost. This is an important point. The access number for the Email and Intranet is a free 0800 number. If you are paying to use a private company to access your Email or the Internet you are wasting money - the same money that could be used for next year's pay rise! Also, if you are in based in the constituency, ask PCD about broadband access and the Virtual Private Network.

See the excellent Research Paper (RP 01/88) "Members' office costs - the new system" for details of the new arrangements for central provision of IT equipment.  Available from the Commons Library, or via the Intranet.

If you’re the sort of person who likes to take their work home with them then make you sure you ask your PCD trainer for a copy of Citrix. This little program means you can access the Intranet and your e-mail from any computer you install it on. There really are very few things in life as nice as a day ‘working at home’.

The Parliamentary Intranet  

After wandering around the buildings on Day Two, today you need to find your way around the Intranet. There is an enormous amount of information available and, like the Palace, the best way of getting familiar with it is to explore. Here's a list of things to find - Good luck!

  • Lexis Nexis - press database

  • Hansard Search

  • Parliamentary Current Awareness Service

  • Progress of Bills

  • Early Day Motions

  • Library Research Papers

  • Room Bookings

  • Select Committees

  • Cafeteria Menus

  • The List of Library Subject Specialists and their phone numbers

Some are available on the public website, http://www.parliament.uk, but not all.

Get to know your way round the library website, it will become very important to you, and an absolutely essential tool for both constituency and Westminster based staff.

One more essential tool, which you should have get hold of on Day One: the Palace of Westminster Telephone Directory. It's full of all the numbers you could ever want. You didn't get it?  Ring 020 7219 5270 - now!  But remember that this directory is not publicly available and the contents should be treated as confidential. Click here for information about the latest version. 

Oh, and a little light reading for tonight: "Computers and telephones" on pp 60-62 of the new  Members' Handbook.  There's more on computers on pp 31-32, too.

DAY FOUR – Meet the Locals

Some people in some Departments of the House have a reputation for being a little less than helpful to the staff of MPs. But the truth is that there are lots of VERY helpful people at Westminster whose purpose is to make your life easier. Top of the list, naturally, is the Library - but they are not alone. 

"Number one rule is to speak kindly to everyone.
Learn a few words of their language;  they appreciate it."

Almost certainly, you will have met some of these already, but here's a list of key people and places you should locate early on. More are listed in Day Eight.

Political Offices
Your first visit should be to your own Party's support office. Look in the Westminster Phone Directory and ask for a convenient time to be shown round. The Parliamentary Labour Party Resource Centre is reputed to be based in the office where Cromwell signed the death warrant of Charles I.

Whips' Offices
The Government and Opposition Whips' offices are located off the Members' Lobby.

Vote Office (or Issue Offices)
This is the name given to the places where you can pick up copies of the mountains of bumph generated by both Houses of Parliament: Hansard, Order Papers, Bills, Government publications - the list is endless. The main office has a window in the Members' Lobby but also with access from the Lower Ground Floor so you can get to it when the Members' Lobby is off-limits for you. Other "Issue Offices" are in 7 Millbank, 1 Parliament Street, Norman Shaw North and Portcullis House.  Main phone number for ordering items is: 020 7219 3631.

Admissions Order Office
Off the Central Lobby, apply here for Strangers' Gallery tickets and for Line of Route Special Permits when you are organising tours for constituents. They have good information leaflets.

Members' Letter and Message Boards
Do not remove messages yourself; ask if you see your MP's light on, indicating there is a message for her/him. The Members' Post Office is just behind the Message Board.

"I clearly remember asking on my first day whether there was a handbook of rules because I had fallen foul of about five just getting to the meeting. "No," I was told, "there isn’t because nobody knows all the rules and if we wrote one we couldn’t make up any more rules on-the-spot when needed".

Nurse
Most ailments can be presented to the Nurse in the Medical Room, which is at the North West corner of the Lower Waiting Hall.

Serjeant at Arms Office
This Department is responsible for many activities you'll need to know about so they are worth getting to know. They have several different numbers for specific functions.  Here are a few you will need: Booking rooms (3090 or 3083), permission for filming and/or photography (3050), stationery and car parking (3070), security (3040), accommodation (3080), exhibitions (1319). You'll find them down steps beyond the Admission Order Office. Ask for copies of their leaflets; see the list on the Serjeant's website

Talking of meeting the locals, if you work in the constituency you will have your share of "disturbed" constituents. If you work in the protected atmosphere of Westminster you will not be immune. We are indebted to the "Lost in Westminster" blog for this gentle description of such folk: "there really are a number of people in this country who are stomping along a very thin pane of glass, not realizing that underneath them it's cracking ever so slowly." It’s probably not much comfort to you, but you need to know that every constituency has them. Be kind but firm; don’t let them rule your life!

Story time tonight? You guessed it: "Management of the House Service" on pp 80-84 of the 2005 Members' Handbook.  This covers the essentials on the Clerk's Dept, the Serjeant at Arms Dept, the Library, Hansard, the Dept of Finance and Administration, and the Refreshment Dept.

DAY FIVE – Food

The catering facilities for Members' staff are good and relatively cheap, despite the threat in late 2003 of price increases. Not as good as for Members themselves, you understand, but there's a good choice and it is available somewhere at almost any time of day. It seems that MPs have special eating habits which lesser mortals might find upsetting, so provision has been made for them to eat in segregated areas into which you may not go...not unless one of them invites you, that is. By now you will have done enough exploring of the Westminster Jungle so we don't need to spoon-feed you with maps.  We do? OK, click here.

At some stage each morning, you will have to decide where to eat at lunchtime. All of the venues are self-service set-ups with vegetarian choices. All get busy at "normal" feeding times and the arrangements are different during the recess; detailed information, including menus, can be found on the Refreshment Department site on the Parliamentary Intranet and also on pp 45-46 of the Members' Handbook. 

Be aware that the number of guests you can take changes with the day (Mondays and Fridays can be more forgiving), time of day (don't even think about it between 12 pm and 2 pm) and whether the House is in recess. You should check before you go as the policy is enforced quite rigidly. Look out for the rare special announcements that mean you can take guests on to the Terrace for a meal or even take a partner to the exceptional Churchill Room. 

Disappointment for all smokers - very few places to smoke in. You’ll just have to take it outside. Here’s a recent announcement on the Refreshment Dept. website: "With effect from Monday 4 April 2005, smoking is not permitted in the House of Commons Refreshment Department facilities where food is served and in all Refreshment Department Bars with the exception of the Members’ Smoking Room, Churchill Bar, Annie’s Bar and Bellamy’s Bar where smoking is permitted."

A new secretary, Miss Green, was left with a party of 32 schoolchildren when her MP was called to an unexpected meeting.  "What on earth shall I do with them?" she asked an older colleague who shared her room.

Members in the Tea Room were not pleased when Miss Green and her 32 protégés turned up demanding ginger beer, popcorn and Big Ben bubble gum.

The Terrace Cafeteria (also known as the Strangers' Cafeteria).
Located on the Ground Floor (same floor as the Terrace - where you can only go during recess, unless taken by an MP), it is much used by House staff and Members' staff as well as by MPs, who eat in a segregated area, as mentioned earlier. It's open from 9.30 am until the Rising of the House. Don’t forget to check out the adjacent Souvenir Shop while you there. It’s probably the best in Westminster village, although MPs have priority here, so don’t be too offended if they jump the queue.

Bellamy's Cafeteria
This is on the first floor of 1 Parliament Street and is much used by Members' staff. Open from 8.30am to 8.30pm (3.15 pm on Fridays) serving a good range of meals and snacks.  

A former Chancellor of the Exchequer is rumoured to have got stuck in the 1 Parliament Street security tubes after a particularly strenuous lunch.

Portcullis Cafeteria in 7 Millbank
Open 9am - 6pm (3.15 pm on Fridays). The Millbank Room is a brasserie style restaurant on the 6th floor of 7 Millbank and is now open to all permanent photo-pass holders with up to 3 guests and to temporary photo-pass holders without guests.

Portcullis House
The two excellent eating-places are: the debate (self-service) and the adjournment (brasserie style - restricted access).   In addition, the despatch box offers snacks and drinks.

Bedtime reading is on pp 45-46 of the Members' Handbook (2005 edition): "Food and Drink". Your boss is bound to be asked one day to host meals or receptions and you are the person who will have to do the legwork. At first sight it's an administrative nightmare, but persevere; contact the helpful staff of the Refreshment Department, and all will become clear! A related topic is "Visitors and guests" on pp 47-51.

DAY SIX – Find a Guide

It's time to get your first sight of the locals in their natural habitat and much the best way to do this is to find a friendly one to give you a tour of the Palace of Westminster.  If you want to know the history in some detail, have a look at the Guide we have put together: "Parliamentary Tours – the script". There’s a map of the standard tour route on the Serjeant at Arms website.

There are a good many maps available of the parliamentary estate and the various major buildings.   Details of a full list, updated in April 2005, are on our guide to maps at: http://www.w4mp.org/html/library/hoc/maps.asp.  Until you have access to the Parliamentary Intranet (see Day Three) you will only be able to see the two overall maps of the parliamentary estate which are on the public Parliament website; try this page: http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/maps.cfm.   

Periodically, a hawk is brought into Portcullis House to hunt rats and pigeons.

In recent years, the rather informal arrangements to pay doorkeepers in their time off for conducting tours was replaced with a Central Tours Office - a brief explanation is on the Serjeant at Arms website.  You can telephone the CTO on x3003 to book a tour and they will provide you with all the information you need including printed material about the architecture, history etc of the Palace.  When you manage to get on a tour, ask your guide to point out useful things like the Members' Post Office, Vote Office, Admission Order Office, Committee Rooms, etc. as you go and also get him/her to explain where you can't go.

Got hold of a copy, too, of the Serjeant at Arms Dept’s leaflet "Regulations for Visitors".  It’s available on the intranet.  Ask for the latest version.

There's also a comprehensive basic "Introduction to Parliament" on the public parliamentary website at: http://www.parliament.uk/works/index.cfm (on the intERnet) as well as on the parliamentary intranet.

Take care to knock on the doors of your neighbours and introduce yourself.

Knackered after a challenging day hacking through the parliamentary jungle?  Before you drop off, just check on "The Parliamentary Estate" (pp 29-30) as well as "Access" and "Medical facilities" (pp 42-45) of the new Members'  Handbook.  Essential reading.

By the way, just in case you haven't tracked down your own copy, here's a glimpse at the cover of the new 2005 Members' Handbook:

DAY SEVEN – Sources of Information

The House of Commons Library is your friend and the staff there are among the most helpful and professional you will ever meet.

That's totally understated and needs expressing again. The Library is your best friend and will save your life. When your MP gives you three hours to write a speech on "Retentions in the Construction Industry" or something else outside the field of your expertise, it is the Library that will make you look like a star.  The Main Information Point for Staff is x3666.

Take a look a look at these two documents from the Library (click on the title):

Services for constituency-based staff (updated May 2005), PDF document but also viewable online.

Services for Members' staff (updated March 2005), PDF document but also viewable online.

 

"On no account miss the Commons Library tour.  An hour and a half spent there early on will save you weeks of work over the years."

Tours for staff last from an hour to 90 minutes and can cater for up to six people at a time. The tour covers the Current Affairs Room, the Official Publications Library, rules and regulations for users of the Library, limitations on the services provided, a guide to what's in each room, time with a research clerk, electronic resources and time for questions and answers. Although the tours are mainly for researchers, they are also suitable for staff who deal principally with the MP's casework. Book the tour by ringing x3666.

Have a look at these two brief guides we have produced: 

And where is it? Well, remember your first terrifying day collecting your pass? "...head up towards Whitehall from Parliament Square and turn right at Derby Gate..." The first door on the right leads you into the Library. The sign over the door reads: "No. 1 Derby Gate". There's also a basement entrance accessible from 1 Parliament Street. Sorry about all the hype but really, honest, you won't regret that 90 minutes.

And while you are in that neck of the woods go and see.....

The Information Office
The Information Office answers enquiries from the public and are happy to receive questions by phone (on 020 7219 4272), email (hcinfo@parliament.uk) or letter. They have a page on the public Parliament website at: http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hcio.cfm and are responsible, too, for the sixty or more Commons Factsheets on the workings, history, membership etc. of the House. They are located in Room 606 on the 6th floor of Norman Shaw North but it would be wise to give them a ring first before your visit.

List of Ministerial Responsibilities.  
This essential book lists all Government Ministers, details of the areas for which they are responsible, phone numbers, etc.   You can collect copies from one of the Vote Offices on the parliamentary estate or phone 020 7219 3631 for a copy to be sent to your constituency office. You cannot do without it!   It is available online at:  http://www.knowledgenetwork.gov.uk/elmr/minister.nsf which has the advantage of being updated regularly to reflect Ministerial changes.

Let the pp 68-74 of the Members' Handbook about "Information Services", lead you to your dreams tonight.

DAY EIGHT – A Day at your Desk

All this hard work and not a mention of any rewards. Well, while you're at your desk, it's finally time to look at your pay, but be prepared for a few surprises. If you had come on this expedition with visions of gold spurring you on, the following comment gives you a flavour of the reality as it was until July 2001. 

"Many MPs are frustrated that adequate public funds are not available for them to pay a decent wage to their research and secretarial staff."

The old arrangement, whereby MPs received circa £50,000 a year to run their offices and pay staff salaries, always created a conflict between pay and equipment. It had to cover salaries, phone bills, equipment, rent, stationery, training, etc. 

You need to understand that the 646 MPs are really 646 very small separate businesses and this can create a culture of isolation, particularly for constituency-based staff. Outside Westminster there is precious little contact between offices and, despite the best efforts of the T&GWU branch (see more information below) to represent the interests of MPs' staff, we have only very recently moved towards a universally recognised pay scale.

The old arrangements for funding MPs' office costs, including staff salaries, were radically changed in a vote on the recommendations of the Senior Salaries Review Body Report in July 2001. The Speaker's Advisory Panel has produced job descriptions and salary scales for Members' staff.   The latest scales for 2005-6 can be seen at: http://www.w4mp.org/html/library/salaries/general.asp 

The Fees Office (aka the Department of Finance and Administration or DFA) is the place to turn for initial advice on all matters financial.  Get a copy of their Green Book and the Quick Guide; ring 020 7219 1592 and ask for copies to be sent to you or view the online version.

The current Staffing Allowance figure is £84,081for 2005-6, a significant improvement, and you can read all the details on the DFA page.

"Many political wannabes are happy to work for a short period of time on a low income at the House of Commons.   However, it is wrong for MPs (from all parties) to have to regularly exploit this source of goodwill and cheap labour."

As a member of staff, you are entitled to a 10% non-contributory pension. There’s lots of information on the Parliamentary Intranet, including application forms. You can get detailed advice by emailing pensionsmpstaff@parliament.uk or ring x5759. Sadly, some don’t bother to sign up for their pension; don’t be one of these. It’s free for goodness sake!

If you are incurring travel costs in connection with your job, make sure you know how to claim them and don't forget to use your MP's annual allocation of nine return trips by staff from the constituency to Westminster.

You should have a job description and contract of employment by now, but have a look at the "official" specimen contracts and job descriptions on the Intranet. 

When you first apply for a parliamentary pass, renew your pass, or change your sponsor you will be given a registration form to complete by the Pass Office. 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 Intranet.  The Office of the Commissioner for Standards administer Registers of Interest and advice can be obtained by emailing standardscommissioner@parliament.uk. 

The most active Union for MPs staff is the Transport & General Workers Union, with cross-party membership and you can contact them by ringing Joanne Milligan on 0207 219 2779 or Kevin Flack on 020 7219 6273.

The Secretaries' and Assistants' Council, again with cross-party membership, seeks to represent the concerns of MPs' staff. Contact Peter Vines on 020 7219 4591. 

Most of the political parties have staff support networks and the Interns’ Network is also active. Get in touch with your party's support office; look them up in the Palace of Westminster Telephone Directory.

For more information on these organisations and other groups you can join see our Representation pages.

We have lots of helpful guides about aspects of your employment on our Guides and Good Practice page;  look under "Your Job - Survival tips".

Your reading material for tonight: of course it has to be "Pay and expenses" (pp 26-28) and "Financial arrangements" (pp 37-40), which you will find, as ever, in the 2005 edition of the Members' Handbook.  You are wondering why we are throwing all this stuff at you, which is primarily about your boss rather than about you, aren't you.  Well, in case you hadn't already realised, part of your job is to know all this stuff in the remote possibility that your boss hasn't remembered every tiny detail him/herself.  OK?

DAY NINE – Being Sociable

OK, so you cheated and read this on Day One. Just for those (few) patient ones amongst you, here are the bars you can use within the Parliamentary Estate. The hours vary but, generally, they remain open while the House is sitting and at more restricted times during the Recess. You can get alcohol and a selection of other drinks in all the cafeterias mentioned on Day Five, of course. There are plenty of other pubs and bars around Westminster but you will, no doubt, discover those for yourself. Start with the Red Lion; it's close to the House and where the Interns Network, amongst many others, meets. 

"Warning to those who intend to use the roof terrace for romantic assignations: since security levels increased in the Palace, CCTV on the roof is now monitored regularly. At least one amorous couple has had their tryst interrupted by the police. Also, such activities can be easily observed from the south side of the 6th floor of Portcullis House."

Bellamy's Bar
In 1 Parliament Street, across the landing from the cafeteria. The bar has satellite TV and there are separate smoking and non-smoking lounges. Open 12 noon until Rise of House or 11pm, whichever is earlier. Closes 3.30 pm on Fridays.

The Lords Bar. 
Coming from the Commons end of the Palace on the Ground Floor go past the Dining Rooms until you get to the Churchill Room; turn right, then left. Good spot for a quiet drink.

The Sports & Social Club's Hop Inn is near the Peers' Inner Court (go and search!), but you need to be a member. Cost is £5 a year and, besides having a bar, they arrange outings, evening events, Christmas Dinner/Dance etc. Ring 020 7219 3028.

Cash machines
Run out of cash with all these new-found temptations? You can restock your purse/wallet in three places: one is a few yards from the entrance to the Terrace Cafeteria, a second near the Lords Bar and a third next to the Post Office in Portcullis House.

Tights machine.
No, really! This indispensable facility is available next to the cash machines by the Commons Terrace Cafeteria in the Clock Corridor.

Photo booth
It’s next to the tights machine.  

Congestion charging and Paracetamol
Dispensers for both these essential items are also available in the same location.  Pampered, aren't you!

Sports and other activities
Have a look at our page listing various clubs which Staff of Members are welcome to join; it’s at www.w4mp.org/html/personnel/groups.asp.   The list currently (April 2005) includes: American Football, Choir, Christian, Cricket, 5-a-side Football, Football – Men, Football – Women, Hockey, LGBT, Rugby, Social Life, Sports & Social, Village Drinks, Tennis, Weightwatchers.

The Lord Chancellor hired a new Research Assistant, Neil McManus, and told him to report for work at 09:30 in the Central Lobby.  Seeing him at the desk, the bewigged and begowned noble Lord called out "Neil!"

And all the tourists did.

[This is probably the oldest of our 'jokes' - proving that the oldest are the best. Ed}

No Book at Bedtime tonight.  You've had such a good day you are much too tired and emotional. Sleep tight!

DAY TEN – For Long-distance Explorers

Many MPs decide to have most of their support workers based in the constituency, with perhaps just a part-time researcher based at Westminster. The consequence of this is that constituency workers are very often isolated and find it hard to speak authoritatively about a Westminster they have never, or rarely, visited.

If you are constituency-based and responsible for booking tours, arranging Strangers' Gallery tickets, booking rooms for meetings, you need to have seen what you are talking about to do the job properly. Furthermore, you can't even access the Parliamentary Intranet or use the email facility unless you have travelled to Westminster and done the PN course.

"You must pay a two-day visit to Westminster as
soon as possible after you start working for an MP."

Here is a telescoped version of Days One to Nine, designed for constituency workers visiting Westminster. It can be done in two days, with some careful pre-planning. PDVN courses and the Library tours are at set times and Line of Route tours are mornings only, except on Sitting Fridays, so you need to work this all out quite precisely in order to fit it all in. Go for it.  Demand it!  You can't do the job without it.  The constituents will cope without you for a couple of days. They will, really!  And don't forget that MPs are entitled to nine travel vouchers a year for their staff. Use one of them. In advance, contact everyone you know who works in Parliament to let them know you are around and to ask if any particular events are going on.

Or, if you really want to be looked after, book yourself onto one of the Induction Days.

THE FIRST DAY (we suggest you use the links to DAYS ONE to NINE as shown)

Collect your temporary pass from 1 Canon Row.  You need to have applied for this well in advance (020 7219 5915 to order an application form). See Day One

Meet your guide and take a "Line of Route" Tour. Note particularly: the Norman Porch (where tours start); Central Lobby (the obvious meeting place) and, just off it, the Admission Order Office; St Stephen's entrance (the main public entrance); Westminster Hall, Grand Committee Room and the 'W' Rooms (small meeting rooms); the Committee Corridors. See Day Two and Day Six

Have lunch with your MP, at her/his expense, naturally! See Day Eight as background.

Visit the Strangers Gallery. You need to have pre-booked a ticket with the Admissions Order Office (see Day Four) or your MP may be able to get you in at the last minute.

Visit your Party Support Office. See Day Four. 

Collect any papers you need from one of the Vote Offices. See Day Four. If you don't want to carry it all home with you, ask for a large pre-paid envelope to send it in.

Take a trip on the London Eye. It's just across Westminster Bridge. If you suffer from vertigo, just stand on the bridge and wonder what the view must be like or take a trip on a riverboat.

THE SECOND DAY (we suggest you use the links to DAYS ONE to NINE as shown)

Take a tour of the House of Commons Library. You must have booked this. See Day Seven.

Have lunch with a pass holder. If you don't know anyone, ask in Party Support Office (see Day Four). If you are on your own you can use most of the cafeterias on a temporary pass. See Day Five.

Attend a PN course. Pre-booking essential. 020 7219 2001. See Day Three.

Sit in on a meeting in one of the Committee Rooms. Go up to the Committee Corridors or to the first floor of Portcullis House and ask one of the attendants what's on and where. Most are open to members of the public.

Visit the Souvenir Shop. Your chance to stock up with the goodies you want to take home. At least treat yourself to a tin of House of Commons Fudge; makes a good pencil tin for your desk. See Day Five.

Time to spare? Bar Crawl. Start in Lords Bar, then to the Sports & Social Club, where darts can be played, Bellamy's Bar in 1 Parliament Street and then outside to the Red Lion in Whitehall.  See Day Nine.

The schedule above is just a suggestion. Construct your own two-day programme using these ideas plus others you like the look of in Days One to Nine. Then when you get back home, log on to your favourite and indispensable website, www.w4mp.org, and use the Feedback Form to give us your views and suggestions.

The Parliamentary Intranet

This version of the First Ten Days guide has had all links to material on the Parliamentary Intranet removed at the request of the House authorities. We realise that this makes it harder to find the material to which we refer. A full version, with links included, is also available and can be provided to staff on request. Please email guides@w4mp.org if you would like it. We can only provide it to those with Intranet access (ie a parliament.uk email address)

 

This Induction Guide was originally written by Dick Robinson, revised by Alex Hilton in January 2004 and again by Andrew Learmonth in April 2005.  

Much of the information is subject to change and revision, so please let us know of any updating we need to make by using the website's Feedback Form.

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2004-8 Working for an MP