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 task 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 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 PDVN course, and have seen, and can therefore properly describe to enquiring constituents, the key places on the Parliamentary Estate. Interested? Skip to the end, it's especially for you.

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. If your MP hasn't got a hard copy (the Fourth edition - April 2001), an on-line version can be found on the Parliamentary Intranet: http://pdvnsco.parliament.uk/handbook/sitemap.html    Work is almost complete (as at January 2004) on the next edition of the Members’ Handbook - in a revised format.  A hardcopy version probably won’t appear until immediately after the next election but you should be able to see it on-line "early in 2004"; watch for an announcement on the 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.  The latest hardcopy edition is May 2003 and there's a parliamentary intranet version at: http://pdvnweb.parliament.uk/pcd/powtel.pdf

The information in this guide 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 Terrorism Act.

So the first thing you need is your security pass. Two 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 5915 or 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 one other form of ID.

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.

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.

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 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 2001 Members' Handbook (Fourth edition) and read through the Introduction (noting the reference to this website, of course).  If you're really keen, try the Index as well.  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. Yes, you are allowed to squeeze in extra days.

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.  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
• 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
• The Table Office

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, several maps of the parliamentary estate are to be found at: http://pdvnsco.parliament.uk/intranet/maps/maps.htm

Once you are tucked up after an exhausting day’s exploration don’t forget to read Section 2 of the new Members'  Handbook: "The Parliamentary Estate".  Essential reading.

There's also a comprehensive basic "Introduction to Parliament" on the public parliamentary website (on the intERnet) as well as on the parliamentary intRAnet.  Click here for full information.

DAY THREE – Get Connected

Without your telephone and email you will be alone. The Parliamentary Communications Directorate is your friend and you will find you are calling their extension (2001) 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. 

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 PDVN course. More acronyms - sorry. This one stands for the Parliamentary Data and Video 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 PDVN 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 at: http://hcl1.hclibrary.parliament.uk/rp2001/rp01-088.pdf  

The Parliamentary Intranet  

This is what the opening page of the Parliamentary Intranet looks like: http://pdvnsco.parliament.uk/homepage.html  (as at 16 December 2003).

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

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

If you are having problems with "remote" access, our advice is to keep trying, despite the some lingering frustrations and delays.  PCD have a continuing programme of improving access for remote users; ask them about it.

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.  The latest hardcopy edition is May 2003 and there's a parliamentary intranet version at: http://pdvnweb.parliament.uk/pcd/powtel.pdf

Oh, and a little light reading for tonight: Section 6 of the revised Members' Handbook on "Support Services". 

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. 

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.

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 (booking rooms, passes, accommodation, communications) so they are worth getting to know. Their helpline is 020 7219 5555 or visit them down steps beyond the Admission Order Office. Ask for copies of their leaflets; see the list on the Serjeant's website: http://saaweb.parliament.uk.

Story time tonight? You guessed it: part of Section 10 of the new Members' Handbook, tantalisingly entitled "Departments of the House", on the Clerk of the House and the Serjeant at Arms.

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.

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 and most have non-smoking areas. 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: http://pdvnweb.parliament.uk/refreshment/RD_Home.htm   Also in Section 8 of the 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.

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. 

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.  Check out the adjacent Souvenir Shop while you there.

Lords Staff Restaurant
If you find this well kept secret on your first try you can collect your Advanced Explorers Badge. Opens very early - I'm not even sure how early but I have been there at 7.30am for a fry-up.

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.  

Portcullis Cafeteria in 7 Millbank
Open 9am - 6pm (3.15 pm on Fridays). Vending facility on the 3rd floor as well. 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 Section 8 of the Members' Handbook (2001 edition): "Refreshment facilities". 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!

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. 

There are a good many maps available of the parliamentary estate and the various major buildings.   A full list, updated early in 2003, is available at: http://pdvnsco.parliament.uk/intranet/maps/maps.htm   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/commons/lib/faxmap.pdf for the black and white version.

The best introduction to the Palace is to walk what's called "The Line of Route". With a copy of "Guide to the Line of Route through the Houses of Parliament" from the Serjeant at Arms office you can walk the route yourself. Best done before 1pm.   The supply of these Guides is now dwindling but well worth having if you can get a copy.  

For the last year or so, 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:  http://saaweb.parliament.uk/item.asp?ItemID=242. 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 at: http://saaweb.parliament.uk/item.asp?itemID=128 and is currently (January 2004) being updated so 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 at: http://intra1.parliament.uk/parliament/guide/parliamt.htm  

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

Once you are tucked up after an exhausting day's exploration don't forget to read Section 2 of the new Members'  Handbook: "The Parliamentary Estate".  Essential reading.

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.  Their intranet site is at:  http://hcl1.hclibrary.parliament.uk/

Take a look a look at these two documents from the Library:

• Services for constituency-based staff: http://hcl1.hclibrary.parliament.uk/manuals/services_constituency.pdf
• Services for Members' staff: http://hcl1.hclibrary.parliament.uk/manuals/services2.pdf

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 the Current Affairs Room on 020 7219 6767.

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 they are happy to receive questions by telephone (on 020 7219 4272), email (hcinfo@parliament.uk) or letter. They 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 Bryn Morgan a ring first on 020 7219 0633 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 order it from the Cabinet Office Secretariat by ringing 020 7276 2452.  You can also 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 part of Section 10 of the Members' Handbook about the "Department of the Library", 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 has been until July 2001. 

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. This £50,000 is called the Office Cost Allowance (OCA) and had to cover salaries, phone bills, equipment, rent, stationery, training, etc. 

You need to understand that the 659 MPs are really 659 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 are only very recently (July 2001) moving 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.  

"Members' office costs - the new system".  This is the title of an excellent and comprehensive new Research Paper (number 01/88) from the House of Commons Library (http://hcl1.hclibrary.parliament.uk/rp2001/rp01-088.pdf).  Not only does the paper set out the details of the new arrangements, but it also gives some interesting history on the OCA.  If you are struggling to grasp the new set-up you need this research paper.  It is beautifully clear.

You will also find helpful the related papers on "Parliamentary Pay, Allowances and Pensions: the Reviews of 2001" (RP 01/86 - http://hcl1.hclibrary.parliament.uk/rp2001/rp01-086.pdf) and "Parliamentary Pay and Allowances: the current rates" (RP 01/87 - http://hcl1.hclibrary.parliament.uk/rp2001/rp01-087.pdf).  All these Research Papers are available from the Library; see http://hcl1.hclibrary.parliament.uk/library_site/Libpublications.htm for comprehensive lists.  

But it's not all gloom. As a member of staff, you are entitled to a 10% non-contributory pension with either AXA or Norwich Union. Contact Neil Crawley on x5973 in Finance & Administration and set it up now. This is one of those things that can be on a things to do list for six months - so don't delay.

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 Finance and Administration intranet pages at: http://cfinw01/fanda/pmatters/pas/persmp.htm - under “Contracts of Employment” or in our own guide.

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. A Resolution of the House requires that you 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. See our Guide, Setting up the Office section 2.8, for full details on your responsibilities. For more detailed information and advice, have a look at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmsecret/memi01.htm

The Fees Office 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. These contain financial information about staff as well as MPs and also list Help Numbers under various headings: Salaries, Pensions, Additional Costs Allowance, Office Costs Allowance, Travel etc.  Click here for more information on both the Green Book and the Quick Guide.

The most active Union for MPs staff is the Transport & General Workers Union, with cross-party membership and you can contact them by ringing Anne Humbles on 020 7219 6368 or Kevin Flack on 020 7219 6273. See more information under the Representation pages on the website. Most of the political parties have staff support networks. Get in touch with your party's support office; look them up in the Palace of Westminster Telephone Directory.

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. For more information see the website's Representation pages.

Your reading material for tonight: of course it has to be all about the "Department of Finance and Administration", which you will find, as ever, in Section 10 of the April 2001 edition of the Members' Handbook.

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.  

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. 
Past the Churchill Room on the Ground Floor; 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 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 next to the cash machines by the Terrace Cafeteria.

Photo booth
It’s next to the tights machine.  

Your Book at Bedtime?  Members'  Handbook - Section 5 on "Information Services".

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 PDVN course.

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 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 PDVN 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 Gift Kiosk. 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 www.working4anmp.org.uk  and use the website's Feedback Form to give us your views and suggestions.