Administration CommitteeWritten evidence submitted by Therese Coffey MP

Office accommodation—the shared offices were very good. It helped to share knowledge. Printers etc from memory worked well and stationery kept filled up. Lockers were difficult to manage. There were paper bins there but it was very difficult to manage so much stuff coming in.

Security information—fine.

IT—generally OK in Westminster. However, the constituency was a different story. It was not made clear in any way that there was a contract with Virgin Media to connect constituency offices.

I don’t recall any advice on training or employment of staff.

Orientation—I think I found my own way around but overall information was fine.

IPSA induction was a disaster. I know that’s not your responsibility but worth stating again. No test system available, just handouts and no capability in answering any questions. It started getting better once they had some full-time staff to help.

Parliamentary procedures—this was covered in the Chamber but not in any great depth...enough to get us going I think.

I would have liked some more training on aspects like libel, Data Protection Act and coverage of Freedom of Information Act with regard to our work.

11 February 2013