New Joiners
[text taken from https://intranet.parliament.uk/commons-members-staff/holding/new-members-staff---getting-started/ and to be edited]
The House Service provides an impartial service equally to all Members and will assist you in the very important role of supporting your Member of Parliament.
Much of the information you need to help you get started is available in the Members' Handbook, which is the definitive guide to the services we offer. The Members' Staff Handbook should be used in conjunction with this, as it contains information for Members' staff both in the constituency and at Westminster.
We also ask that you to do the online security training for those working at Parliament at the earliest opportunity. This will take approximately 30 minutes. Registering your interests
If you are new to the House of Commons or have acquired a new sponsor (MP) you will receive a form from the Pass Office to register your interests. You must complete this form and return it to the address stated. Support services for Members' staff
The Member Services Advisers located within the Members’ Services Team in the House of Commons, can offer pastoral support, information and signposting to relevant support services for Members' staff.
Workplace adjustments
When starting your new role, you may require a workplace adjustment (WPA) to be put in place (for example a change in your working hours, ergonomic furniture or assistive software). The WPA Case Manager can offer guidance and support and can be contacted by emailing WPA@parliament.uk
Information about the WPA process can be found on the intranet here and specific guidance for Members’ staff can be found here (PDF PDF 434 KB)Opens in a new window. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Programme provides a free 24/7 confidential helpline for all Members' staff. The service, provided on behalf of the House by Health Assured, allows staff to discuss and seek advice on personal and professional issues.
Commons Library services
The House of Commons Library provides a confidential, impartial briefing and evidence base needed to help you support your Member in scrutinising Government, proposing legislation, and supporting constituents. The Library's researchers include policy specialists, lawyers, scientists, economists and statisticians, and all are on-hand to answer your enquiries as well as provide you with resources and training.
The constituency casework hub provides you with the latest information and current legislation for key policy areas. The hub offers short briefings dealing with popular casework issues, dedicated hotlines for Members' staff to government departments and agencies, and direct contact details for all subject specialists in the Commons Library.
Regional constituency events
The House of Commons Service regularly holds regional open days for constituency staff throughout the United Kingdom. The days include a focus on the services that constituency staff have said matter most to them and hosts representatives from the Library, IPSA, Learning and Development, Parliamentary Security Department and Digital Service. It is also an opportunity to network with other constituency staff in neighbouring areas.
To find out about upcoming regional constituency events and to book a place, please visit the regional constituency events intranet page
Learning and development
The parliamentary e-Learning system, Act, provides an easy online point of access to all learning and development courses to help you in your personal and professional development.
The House of Commons also offers a dedicated Learning & Development team who provide a range of services to facilitate learning and career development for all staff.
Digital support
The Digital Service will provide you with computer equipment, network services including Wi-Fi on the Parliamentary Estate, broadband off the estate, 24/7 online and telephone support, face to face drop-in centres in Westminster and next day on-site support for computer equipment across the UK.
For all digital support queries contact x2001
Members’ and Peers’ Staff Association (MAPSA)
The Members’ and Peers’ Staff Association (MAPSA) is a cross-party organisation run by and for Members’ staff.
They meet regularly with all House departments, as well as with IPSA, to ensure that staff issues, problems and suggestions are represented and listened to. In addition, MAPSA runs a regular programme of social events including tours of No.10, the British Library, Westminster Abbey, the BBC and more.
Contact: mapsa@parliament.uk
Unite the Union
Unite have over thirty years’ experience representing the staff of MPs in parliament and constituency offices. It has trained representatives on site able to offer expert advice, guidance and support on employment issues. Unite’s parliamentary branch is a fully cross-party, industrial branch and represents its members both collectively regarding pay and welfare and in individual cases.
Unite has expertise in representing members when problems arise with their employers and offers free legal advice for its members. Please note that Unite is only able to help if you are a member.
NUJ – National Union of Journalists – SNP Westminster Group
The recognised trade union of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in Westminster is the NUJ, covering SNP Group staff and SNP MPs staff who are NUJ members.
GMB
The GMB are recognised by the Parliamentary Labour Party and are working on further recognition agreements. The Members’ Staff Branch is contained within the wider Houses of Parliament Branch. Constituency staff are also covered by regional and political branches. Information on benefits and services are at www.gmb.org.uk/join-gmb including joining instructions.
Further information and support
If you have any questions at all please speak to the relevant team using the list of contacts on the intranet.
Compliments, compliants and comments on our services can be sent at any time to the Customer Team at feedback@parliament.uk
