DEPARTMENT OF THE OFFICIAL REPORT HOUSE OF COMMONS

I wouldn’t start from here Why the Department had to change Vivian Widgery July 2005

Parliaments change Hansard – a highly regarded product, but: Changed working hours Old-fashioned working patterns and customs Outside firms reporting parliamentary events Concentration of work

THE REVIEW Decided on by the Editor Announced suddenly Decisions already taken RESULT: Not popular with staff

Organisation Committee Reporters House Reporters Committee Sub-Editors Principal Assistant Editors (House Sub-editors) Deputy Editors Editor

HOUSE OF COMMONS Six departments The Clerks The Serjeant at Arms The Library Finance and Administration Official Report Refreshment

THE PROBLEMS Changed working patterns Non-sitting Fridays Lack of management opportunities Low-quality work Select Committee reporting Three-day working New technology

THE PROCESS Consultants’ report and recommendations Some discussions with staff Setting up of working groups Conclusions of working groups Management team makes decisions 1 July 2005 – decisions announced

THE DECISIONS Report Select Committees New grade of Reporter PAEs to have more managerial tasks More information recorded Working patterns amended Training and development BUT Never the end of the road.

The decisions – our concerns The length and shape of the working week Health and safety Staff numbers Promotion prospects