1. DEPARTMENT OF THE OFFICIAL REPORT
HOUSE OF COMMONS

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

3. 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

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

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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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.

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