Administration CommitteeWritten evidence submitted by Paul Blomfield MP

Thank you for getting in touch and giving me the opportunity to provide some insights from my experience as a new MP in June 2010. Overall, while there was a considerable amount to learn in a relatively short space of time, I found much of the induction formally provided to be very helpful.

To look at the specific aspects you identify:

Induction programme in general—it would have been helpful to have had a clearer programme in advance of arriving—maybe from the Returning Officer at the Count? I know I missed some very useful sessions because I was not sufficiently clear well enough in advance;

Office accommodation—I was fortunate in being offered space in another MP’s office which I found to be a more useful interim solution than the hot desk facilities offered. However it did seem to take an inordinate amount of time to resolve individual office accommodation even appreciating the huge changes at that election.

Advice and training on employment of staff—I did not take advantage of this as I have had previous experience of employing staff and HR in general as had the person I had employed to undertake this function alongside me, but for colleagues without experience this is essential;

Financial support and the relationship with IPSA—induction into these arrangements will I assume be more straightforward in the future as many of the practical elements have been simplified and key budgets combined. However it would have been useful had me and my proxy had the opportunity to do the training together rather than separate training for MPs and staff, particularly those based in the constituency. And to have training which focussed more on the “rules” rather than the operational processes would have been helpful;

Training in parliamentary procedures and activities—I would have appreciated more training in these areas although I probably didn’t take full advantage of all available due to not having a sufficiently detailed programme in advance.

I hope my comments will be helpful.

20 February 2013