The Knowledge Exchange Unit supports the exchange of information between UK Researchers and Parliament. They prepare a list of opportunities for researchers each week, which we will be disseminating in part through this blog.

If you are engaging in any of these opportunities, please email Glenn Harris or Suzi Edwards

These opportunities have been compiled by UK Parliament’s Knowledge Exchange Unit (KEU).

Take a look at the KEU’s webhub of information and resources for researchers. 

These opportunities and resources have been sent to members of the KEU’s informal network for knowledge mobilisers, for circulation to the research community (find out more about the network).

Select committee inquiries launched in the last week (since 17 March 2022)

Please click the title of any inquiry listed below to be taken to a summary of that inquiry and the full call for evidence.

Remember that you don’t have to answer every question posed in each call for evidence. And you can also explore all select committee inquiries currently open for submissions of written evidence. 

Select committee inquiries launched in the last 2 weeks (since 10 March 2022)

Please click the title of any inquiry listed below to be taken to a summary of that inquiry and the full call for evidence.

Why should I engage? Submitting evidence to a select committee can lead to further engagement, such as an invitation to give oral evidence. Your submission will be published on the Committee webpage. Your insights may inform the Committee’s conclusions or recommendations it makes to the Government. Find out more about why to engage with Parliament. You can also read more on engagement for impact.

More information: Explore all select committee inquiries currently open for submissions of written evidence. 

Support resources: Find guidance on submitting evidence to select committees on the KEU’s ‘how to guides’ page. Watch our 30 minute online training session “How to work with select committees”.

Academic librarians – join the Parliamentary Academic Librarians Network!

Are you an academic librarian? Interested in opportunities to work with the House of Commons Library?

The House of Commons Library is developing a network for academic librarians. Through this network, you will learn of key opportunities and information around engaging with the Library. This will include sharing of good practice, invitations to events, blog posts and more.

Communication will consist of ad-hoc group emails.

Reminder: Experts on equalities! Apply to be a Specialist Adviser to the Women and Equalities Committee

Applications are open for two Specialist Adviser roles to the Women and Equalities Committee! The Committee is looking for:

  • a Specialist Adviser with expertise on international treaties related to equalities, and
  • a Specialist Adviser with expertise on the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant domestic legislation.

As a Specialist Adviser, you will be supplementing existing internal expertise and providing advice to MPs and staff on issues relating to the UK’s international equalities obligations, or the Equality Act 2010 (depending on which role you apply for). The roles would not provide advice for one specific inquiry, but would provide input and support across all the Committee’s work (for example, at horizon scanning and inquiry scoping stage, on specific inquiries or activities, and where specific issues arise).

The posts will both run from May 2022 until the conclusion of the parliamentary session, likely to be before summer 2023, with possibility of reappointment in further sessions. Advisers are expected to work no more than 2-4 days per month on a flexible basis. A daily fee is paid to Advisers on the basis of an established scale, plus reasonable expenses, for example for travel to and from Westminster if necessary.  

The Committee proactively aims to be as inclusive as possible in its appointment of Specialist Advisers. The Committee values diversity and encourages applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds. 

The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 3 April 2022.

Why should I engage? Being a special adviser provides a great opportunity to work closely with a committee, informing its work and approach to an inquiry – such as inquiry focus, selection of oral witnesses, and report development and conclusions. Find out more about why to engage with Parliament here. And find more on engagement for impact here. 

More information: watch a short video with researchers who’ve been specialist advisers talking about their experience.

Possibly our favourite Parliament fact

We haven’t reminded you about this for a while, so remember – Parliament and Government are different! One of Parliament’s key roles is to scrutinise the work and actions of Government. Government is accountable to Parliament.

So what?
You can work with both Parliament and Government, or either, but you need to be aware of which institution you’re working with as your reason and approach may be different. Firstly, think about why you want to engage with policy, and what you want to achieve through it. Then consider whether you want to work with Parliament, Government, or both. As a general rule, if you’re interested in working on policy development it will be Government.  If you’re interested in raising an issue or pressing Government for action, it will be Parliament.

More information