Clerk of the Parliaments
House of Lords
London SW1A 0PW
Tel: 020 7219 3181
Email: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xx
www.parliament.uk/lords
Member’s Name
Address
Also by email to: Insert email
XX Month 2021
Dear Member’s Name,
Election to the House of Lords
I would first like to congratulate you on your election to become a Member of the House of
Lords, and I look forward to welcoming you personal y.
I enclose the formal notice of the election result which sets out details of the votes
received. I also enclose a Guidebook for new Members of the House of Lords which
explains the process by which you join the House and what you can expect on your first
days and weeks here. I hope it addresses most of the initial questions you may have in mind.
In particular, page 14 of the Guidebook describes your obligation under the Code of
Conduct.
The House currently sits at 1pm on Mondays, 12noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and
Thursdays and 11am on occasional Fridays. The House is currently sitting and will go into
recess on 23 July.
The usual procedure is for new Members to follow a familiarisation programme which
involves a session with me and meetings with:
• The Lord Speaker (Lord McFal ) an introductory chat to the House;
• The Registrar of Lords’ Interests (Tom Wilson) who will explain the Code of
Conduct;
• Black Rod (Sarah Clarke). Her office will also process your application for a security
pass for the Parliamentary Estate; and
• The Parliamentary Digital Service to discuss your computing and telephone needs.
My office will be in touch with you to arrange a suitable time for these meetings to take
place. Due to the current restrictions in London and the South East, the expectation is that
these briefings will take place remotely.
Oath Ceremony
Whilst the above briefings can be held remotely, you will need to attend the Estate to take
the oath. Some changes have been made to the ceremony in the light of the current
situation. In particular, you are not currently able to bring guests onto the Estate or into the
Chamber.
Code of Conduct
I have also enclosed a copy of the Code of Conduct. When you take the oath you are
required to sign an undertaking to abide by the Code and this includes the provisions of the
Behaviour Code for Parliament (also enclosed). It might also be helpful to mention now
that: • Under the Code you will need to register certain interests within four weeks
fol owing your introduction; and
• All new members must attend a ‘Valuing Everyone’ training session within three
months of their introduction. These two-hour workshops are for members of both
Houses and are part of a wider package of measures to address bullying and
harassment. The sessions are currently held virtually.
Final y, I should perhaps explain that you will not be able to use the House of Lords facilities
for members until you have taken you Oath in the House.
I look forward to meeting you in due course. If you have any questions in the meantime,
please do contact my office on xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xx or 0207 219
3181.
Yours sincerely,
Simon Burton
Clerk of the Parliaments
Enclosures:
Election Result
Code of Conduct
Guidebook for new Members of the House of Lords
Registration of Lords’ financial and other interests form
Registration form for House of Lords Members’ staff