1. This is the seventeenth edition of the House of Lords Staff Handbook. Except where otherwise indicated in the text, the Handbook applies to all staff of the House. The text has been agreed between the Human Resources Office and staff representatives and has the approval of the House of Lords Whitley Committee.

2. This Handbook provides information on most matters relating to conditions of service but it is not fully comprehensive, nor is it meant to be a definitive statement on rights and rules. In particular, where greater detail is required, it should be read in conjunction with the Civil Service Management Code, the Performance Pay System for senior staff, the Pay and Grading Agreement for Grades 6 and below, and other texts held by the Human Resources Office.

3. The Human Resources Office is responsible for informing staff of any changes in conditions of service, and when appropriate these will be incorporated in the Handbook. The Human Resources Office provides an advisory and co-ordinating service to both management and staff in interpreting rules and regulations affecting the general conditions of service of staff employed in the House.

4. The grading, pay, conditions of service and superannuation arrangements of the staff are broadly in line with those in the Home Civil Service and comparable so far as possible with those in the House of Commons. The Civil Service Management Code may be consulted by staff on line at http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/documents/pdf/csmc_june06.pdf.

5. Approval of any changes in employment policy or practice is the responsibility of the House Committee, to which the Management Board is accountable.

6. All staff other than the Clerks at the Table and Black Rod are appointed and removable by the Clerk of the Parliaments as Corporate Officer of the House of Lords, under the Parliamentary Corporate Bodies Act 1992. The Clerk of the Parliaments and Black Rod are appointed by the Crown and the other Clerks at the Table are appointed by the Lord Speaker.

7. As the employing authority the Clerk of the Parliaments has ultimate responsibility for consultations and negotiations with recognised trade unions, though the consultations and negotiations are normally conducted by the Director of Human Resources on his behalf.