This report examines the hidden infrastructure of the United Kingdom democracy: members of parliament offices. It exposes how outdated systems, weak management support and fragmented technology undermine the day-to-day work of representing constituents. The report argues that modest, practical reforms – in leadership, onboarding, skills and digital tools – could significantly improve effectiveness, wellbeing and...

Within the early debates of the 48th Parliament in Australia, the longstanding method of allocating federal parliamentarians’ staffing resources has been a high-profile and contentious issue. This policy brief investigates the methods used in similar Westminster parliaments (the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand), to help inform future debate within the Australian context.

As ministers turn to civil servants for fast advice, it is vital to understand how to do it well. This report focuses on ‘urgent priorities’ that demand a fast response but fall outside the bounds of genuine crises or emergencies. It sets out how civil servants can be better supported to deliver robust advice at...

This review examined concerns about the adequacy of resources in federal parliamentarian offices and reviewed factors affecting workloads in federal parliamentarian offices. The review proposed 10 recommendations to improve support systems and processes and enhance the resources available to support this important work.

In the United Kingdom, private office plays a crucial function in government, connecting ministers to their departments – and vice-versa – to help ministers achieve their agendas while in post. The fast-paced nature of private office work means that there is rarely time for a full induction into the role. This guide outlines some foundational...