1. Building Relationships With Local MPs
Part of AELP’s Public Affairs Programme
Introduction SRK
Pre amble

2. Objectives
To make Parliamentarians aware of your contribution to the local community and the country’s skills and employment needs
To promote AELP’s key messages and get MPs actively supporting a common agenda

3. Articulating Your Contribution
Helping local employers increase productivity through training and find recruits ready to be trained
Helping to reduce unemployment, especially youth unemployment
Improving the life chances of individual learners and meeting local economic needs

4. Promoting AELP’s Messages
Reform Apprenticeships in a way that builds on the success and credibility of the programme
Secure a national skills strategy & Apprenticeship programme that meets both the needs of employers and learners
Support a system that equally values academic and vocational learning options
Encourage welfare to work programmes linked to skills training to secure sustainable employment

5. Who Are My Local MPs? Use http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/
Type in postcode of head office or training centres – no need to look at constituency maps!
Use to identify positions held, e.g. select committee membership

6. Getting in Touch Write to MPs at House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Invite them to visit your organisation and be briefed on key issues
Don’t be afraid to make follow-up call to chase a response on
Prioritise ministers, opposition frontbenchers and select committee members

7. Make MP’s Visit Worthwhile
Invite an MP to see training take place
Or ask the MP to present awards or certificates
Allow time to brief MP on key local and national issues (but only 1 or 2 people should do this)
Useful tip: Don’t be partisan, i.e. say the same things to each MP whichever party they belong to

8. Do a Little Research
Look up in advance the MP’s biography – many MPs have their own websites and Twitter accounts
Use or Google to identify their interests
Use ‘Search’ on the Parliament website to see what questions they have tabled or what speeches they have made
Keep an eye on local newspaper columns/coverage

9. A Photo Opp for Local Press
Let local press know of visit in advance in case they want to send a photographer and/or reporter
Write a press release and include a quote from the MP, liaising with MP’s office beforehand
Hire a photographer to record visit for your own newsletter or purposes

10. Give MP Something to Take Away
An action point for the MP to raise with the minister
Ask the MP to table a Parliamentary Question – if necessary, ask AELP for advice on its drafting
Briefing material, e.g. AELP Parliamentary Newsletter, available on the AELP website

11. Keep in Touch
Send MPs your newsletters and AELP’s Parliamentary Newsletter
Write to them about local and national skills and employment issues
Ask them to support AELP’s position on national education, skills and employment issues
Invite them back months on

12. Keep AELP Informed
Drop an to Stewart Segal or Aidan Relf about the outcome of a visit or any correspondence of interest
Don’t hesitate to ask for AELP’s help or advice – Aidan can be contacted on