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).

Jump to:

Select committee inquiries launched in the last week (since 18 October 2023)

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.

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”.

Apply to be a Specialist Advisor on UK film and high-end TV production

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee is looking to appoint up to two specialist advisers to provide external advice and expert support as it investigates the challenges facing the production of film and high-end TV in the UK. 

The duties of the specialist advisers may include, but not be limited to: 

  • advising the Committee, orally and in writing, on key issues and policy developments in the film and television sectors; 
  • suggesting and helping to secure authoritative witnesses to give oral evidence to the Committee; 
  • assisting Committee staff with analysing evidence and drafting written briefings; 
  • attending Committee meetings where appropriate.

This hybrid role is likely to run from late November 2023 until spring 2024, with an expected time commitment of approx. 4 days per month, with travel to Westminster for meetings approximately once a month. A daily fee is paid to advisers based on experience and knowledge, plus reasonable travel expenses.

Find out more and apply by 5pm on Sunday 5 November 2023.

Why should I engage? Being a specialist 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.

Participate in UK Parliament Week

UK Parliament Week (UKPW) is an annual event, spreading the word about what Parliament is, what it does and how you can get involved. It’s a great way to find out new things about UK Parliament or be reminded of things you might’ve forgotten, both as an individual and a member of the research community. 

In 2023, UK Parliament Week is taking place 6-12 November. Last year 1.1 million people took part. If you’d like to get involved this year, here are a few ideas to get you started: 

  • lively debates and quizzes 
  • discussing issues and holding votes 
  • creating petitions 
  • exploring resources for researchers 
  • watching and discussing training videos as a group 

You can find further information, ideas and resources on the UK Parliament Week website. You might also like to review our web hub for researchers and watch some of our training videos. 

Why should I engage? Taking part in UK Parliament Week is a great way to promote engagement with Parliament in your institution. You could use this time to remind yourself and your colleagues how Parliament works, learn more about how Parliament uses research, and reflect on how you could share relevant research with parliamentary stakeholders.

More information: check out UK Parliament Week resources, have a look at our web hub for researchers, and watch our online researcher training videos. 

Prorogue One: A Parliament Story

In centuries past, the Sovereign used the power of prorogation (the formal name given to the period between the end of a session of Parliament and the State Opening of a new Parliament) to suit their own purposes, proroguing Parliament to limit its activities and power. Queen Victoria prorogued Parliament in person regularly but eventually ceased to attend, allegedly because she disliked the ceremony. Modern prorogation looks very different, but still marks the end of a parliamentary session. The next prorogation period is expected to take place prior to the State Opening of Parliament on 7 November. 

So what?

Prorogation brings to an end nearly all parliamentary business. Public Bills may be carried over from one session to the next, subject to agreement. However early day motions, questions which have not been answered, and most Bills which have not obtained royal assent will not progress any further. So if you’ve been tracking any Bills or questions, you will now need to hold on to see if they are introduced when the new session.

More information: