FDA event provides an insight into parliamentary processes

Deputy leader of the House of Commons, David Heath, speaks to delegates at Parliament for Public Servants

On 23 March 2011, more than 150 delegates attended an FDA event aimed at helping public servants engage more effectively with the parliamentary process. Parliament for Public Servants was organised in partnership with Parliamentary Outreach, which spreads awareness of the work and processes of Parliament and encourages greater engagement between the public and the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Held at Portcullis House, the session was chaired by Clare Cowan, head of Parliamentary Outreach. Speakers included deputy leader of the House of Commons, David Heath MP; Cabinet Office parliamentary advisor Tom Healey; Lord Kirkwood, chair of the information committee at the House of Lords; and chair of the newly-formed Backbench Business Committee, Natascha Engel MP.

Heath spoke about "want[ing] the general public to connect with what we do... if we produce better and less legislation we will be doing a good job". He concluded by saying: "I'm here because I love this place. For all its faults - and there are many - it is endlessly fascinating."

Healey gave detailed information on the legislative process from start to finish, while Lord Kirkwood provided an insight into the differences between the House of Lords and House of Commons.

On introducing Engel, Cowan described the Backbench Business Committee (which Engel chairs) as "a hugely important step forward for Parliament".

Engel described the committee as "scheduling the debates that Government wouldn't otherwise have... Backbenchers are now looking at the details of a debate and are voting in a less party political way - it has made the debate much more grown-up."

The FDA's Professional Skills for Government project manager, Neil Rider, said: "The FDA project was really pleased when Parliamentary Outreach suggested we run a joint event. Delegates found Natascha Engel's contribution particularly interesting as she was talking about the Government's approach to helping elected members do business - which of course requires the support of FDA members - as well as providing some practical advice. This is exactly what we are looking to carry forward from the professionalism project."