Frequently Asked Questions

1.  I would like to see examples of how other MPs run their advice surgeries.  Where can I find information about good examples?

Well, we have one suggested model for you.  It’s in our Guide on Everyday Tasks, Section 3.9 and you will find a model advice surgery action sheet in the Resources pages, Section 6.2.  Feel free to adapt this to suit your local circumstances.  Let us have your views on running successful surgeries;  use the website's Feedback Form.

2.  How does the Dissolution (i.e. the end of a Parliament, when a General Election is called) affect my job?  What are the rules about casework during the Election?

3.  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 Dept's website on the Intranet: http://pdvnweb.parliament.uk/refreshment/RD_Home.htm  There's lots of information on opening times, access, menus, bars, cafeterias and souvenir kiosks. Similar information is also in the 2001 Members' Handbook.  The Department has also published a small but comprehensive 16-page leaflet entitled "Services of the Refreshment Department".  Get a copy by ringing 020 7219 5303;  it's very useful.

In May 2002 a long-awaited new refreshments facility was opened for members of the public visiting the Palace of Westminster. Situated off Westminster Hall, the Jubilee Café is open to everyone who either works in or visits the Houses of Parliament from 10.30am until 5.30pm Monday - Friday. The Café sells hot and cold drinks, hot pasties, soup and rolls, sandwiches, salads, pastries, homemade scones with clotted cream and a delicious range of handmade cakes. 

4.  How do I get a parliamentary email address?

You first have to attend a Parliamentary Data and Video Network (PDVN) course.  You will then be given an email address and also be able to access 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.

Have a look at DAY THREE of our Induction Guide, "Exploring Westminster", for more about the importance of Getting Connected.

5.  I have a number of questions about where I can get help and advice on a range of matters.  Is there one dedicated phone number I can ring at Westminster to set me on the right track?

Yes, ring the Serjeant at Arms General Advice Service on 020 7219 5555.  The team know most of the answers and, if they don't, they will direct you to someone who does.

6.  A national organisation has asked my MP to host a dinner at the House of Commons.  What is the procedure for this?

Look at our brief comments in our Guide on the House of Commons Departments – under the Commons Refreshment Department.   Alternatively, have a look at section 8 - Refreshment Facilities - in the 2001 Members’ Handbook or check the Refreshment Dept's website on the Intranet: http://pdvnweb.parliament.uk/refreshment/RD_Home.htm and click on the Banqueting button. 

Arrangements for refreshments at meetings in Portcullis House are different;  ring 020 7219 6900 for details.

7.  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.  Click here for details of how to obtain hotline numbers.

For an alternative view of how to penetrate administrative jungles, check out the Guardian Unlimited facility, aimed at the general public, but of great usefulness to caseworkers and others:  It's called "MP's Surgery" and you can access it at: http://politics.guardian.co.uk/mpsurgery  Originally written in 2001 it is still relevant.

8.  Does anyone run induction courses for Members’ staff?

Yes, the good news is that a very successful first Induction Day for new staff of MPs was held in June 2001 and this is now a regular - and much-needed - feature.  Full details of forthcoming Induction Day can be found by clicking here.   Meanwhile, have a look, too, at our suggested self-induction programme: "Exploring Westminster - How to Survive Your First Ten Days Working for an MP".

There are regular tours of the Derby Gate Library while the House is sitting.  They 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 the Current Affairs Room on 020 7219 6767.    

Attendance on the Parliamentary Data and Video Network (PDVN) course is obligatory before you can connect to the PDVN.  Once you’ve done it, you can use the parliamentary email and Intranet facilities.  Ring 020 7219 2001 to book yourself on a course.

Also keep an eye on our Training pages for details of the whole range of forthcoming courses (Word, Excel, Managing People, Managing Allowances, Data Protection, Dealing with Difficult or Violent Visitors, etc).  We have with links, too, to information about Commons Library Courses (e.g. POLIS Intranet,  Parliamentary Sources on the Internet, Library's Intranet Pages, Media Sources, Searching the Parliamentary Intranet and Searching the Internet - WWW).

9.  I am finding it hard to find out exactly who has ministerial responsibility for several different areas 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 ring 020 7276 2474 or pick one up at any of the Vote Offices (tel: 020 7219 3631).  It is also available on the Cabinet Office website at:  http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/central/2002/lmr09.pdf  

10. I need to know how a particular piece of parliamentary procedure works; for example, a Private Members’ Bill.  Who can give me the information?

We've put together a list of useful sources;  click here to access it.

Specifically on Private Members' Bills, more information is available on the Parliamentary Intranet:  look for “Private Members’ Ballot” under letter ‘P’ in the Site Index. 

11. 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 this on the Parliamentary Intranet.  Click here to get the latest information on the current arrangements and links to the relevant pages on PDVN. 

For information about Pay Rates and Job Descriptions for MPs' staff, click here.

12. A group of constituents want their MP to present a Petition to the House of Commons.  What advice can I give them on the proper procedure?

Get a copy of the ‘Rules Concerning Public Petitions’ from the Journal Office (020 7219 3310) and the Clerk there will advise you on acceptable wordings.  Get this BEFORE your petitioners write their petition so they get it right from the start.  There is a choice of a traditional wording and a so-called “modern” wording – take your pick. 

13. MPs have a responsibility to declare their outside interests.   Does this involve me as well?

14. 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) or Pat Fea (020 7219 6365) for more information.

The Parliamentary branch of the Transport & General Workers Union 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 Anne Humbles (humblesa@parliament.uk or 020 7219 6368), Jenny Holland (hollandj@parliament.uk or 020 7219 1213) 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 Richard Chapman on 020 7219 0335 or email l.s.n@fsmail.net

The Liberal Democrat Staff Group provides backup for LibDem staff.  Currently the staff chair is Richard Stokoe, who can be contacted by e-mail on stokoer@parliament.uk

At the present time there are no similar staff networks in the other Parties.  Let us know if this changes please, using the Feedback Form.

Click on Representation on the website's home page for more detailed information on these organisations.

15. How do I book a room for a meeting in 1 Parliament Street?

All Conference, Meeting and Interview Rooms in the Palace of Westminster and Outbuildings may be booked through any Attendant; the local Attendant at 1 Parliament Street is on 020 7219 3839 but see the Palace of Westminster Telephone Directory for the full list of numbers.  To book Committee Rooms, including the Grand Committee Room and the new ones in Portcullis House, ring 020 7219 3090.  See also our section on booking rooms on all parts of the Parliamentary Estate:  it’s in our Guide Everyday Tasks, Section 3.12.

16. 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.

Tricky one, this.  Opinions vary on exactly how strict the protocol is.  In the absence of any very clear definition, use common sense and refer any matter concerning someone who is not your constituent to his or her own MP.  See the section on Casework in our Guide on Everyday Tasks and if you do track down a written basis for this protocol let us know:  use the website's Feedback Form.

17. How do I arrange a tour of the Palace of Westminster for constituents?

Look at our Guide on Everyday Tasks, Section 3.10 for a full explanation of the procedure, including permits, guides, costs, etc.  Use the suggested tour booking form in the Resources pages but feel free to adapt it to suit your own needs.  

Ring the Parliamentary Learning and Development Project on 020 7219 6008 or email kennyd@parliament.uk for information on all the courses available FREE to MPs’ staff.  If you work at Westminster you can visit the Project in 2 Abbey Garden, Great College Street and if you work in the constituency and cannot get to Westminster, they will discuss training material that can be sent to you and used on your own computer.  If they haven’t got what you want, you’ll have to try local providers and pay - probably.  Try our Training pages for forthcoming courses.

Also keep an eye on this website's "Essential New Information" pages for details of forthcoming Library Courses (e.g. POLIS Intranet,  Parliamentary Sources on the Internet, Library's Intranet Pages, Media Sources, Searching the Parliamentary Intranet and Searching the Internet - WWW).

Yes, we have exactly what you need.  Look in our Guide on Setting up the Office, Section 2.7 for some helpful guidelines on using volunteers, including a model Confidentiality Agreement which you are welcome to modify.

20. I want to work for an MP.   How do I find out about jobs vacant and internships?

Look at the website's Current Jobs page which advertises jobs (including internships) available at Westminster and in the constituencies, as well as some jobs by lobbying organisations and others.  Click here for general advice on working for an MP.  If you want information about getting an Internship or advice on how to find an Intern, click here.

21. 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;  you'll probably be able to continue accessing this website from the Tower of London!

22. Work Experience Students

For a handy guide from the Finance and Administration Department on how to best provide for work experience students in your office, click here or, if you have access to PDVN (the parliamentary Intranet), go straight to this page:  http://cfinw01/fanda/pmatters/pas/pdf/workexp.pdf.

23. Where can I get Maps of the Parliamentary Estate?

The list of Maps was updated early in 2003.  Click here for more information.

24. SECURITY INFORMATION

Up to date security information is now available on the Serjeant at Arms' website.  Click here for full details.