1. Top tips: Engaging with Parliament Daniel Wood Involve Yorkshire and Humber Annual Conference 13 th September 2012

2. What is Parliament? House of Commons House of Lords Monarch

3. Makes and passes laws (Legislation) Holds Government to account (Scrutiny) Enables the Government to set levels of taxation

4. Government (Whitehall) Commons, Lords, Monarch Holds Government to account Passes laws Enables taxation Represents public Raises key issues Formed by the party who can command the confidence of the Commons Some MPs and Lords Runs Government departments and public services Accountable to Parliament

5. 1. Get to know your MP 2. Meet your MP at a surgery 3. Don’t forget the House of Lords

6. 4. Don’t wait for bad news before contacting Parliament 5. Keep communications (letter and e-mails) short, targeted and relevant 6. Give evidence to Select Committee inquiries

7. 7. Get to know what goes on in Parliament – such as debates, questions, etc 8. Plan well in advance if you want MPs or Members of the House of Lords to attend events 9. Use Parliament’s website 10. Get Parliament’s Outreach Service to run some workshops for your organisation

8. Useful Information www.parliament.uk 020 7219 4272 – Commons information 020 7219 3107 – Lords information