Welcome to the Parliamentary Knowledge Schemes
Knowledge From Experience
We are building MPs’ knowledge through experience.
PKS is a not-for-profit, impartial and cross party social enterprise developed under the patronage of The Speaker.
Each of our modular schemes runs for 10 months, with 15-16 cross party MPs blending a combination of site visits, workshops, roundtables and hands-on opportunities.
The Schemes have been designed to facilitate real world learning outside of Westminster, through practical experience. Ensuring MPs can get a better understanding of the institutions, businesses and charities working within each area and how they connect. Giving MPs an overview of how an entire sector operates from those that work within it.
Funding will be from charitable foundations, businesses and grants, ensuring the 70% of our current collaborators who are public sector institutions, charities or non-profits do not have to financially contribute to be part of the Schemes.
We are excited to share our partners for each Scheme once we officially launch in September.
Our Initial Schemes
Knowledge from Experience
Energy & Environment
The energy transition and the environments we live and work in, impact every single person in Britain. Experience how it is interconnected.
Future Energy / Water / Nature & Biodiversity / Waste
Wellbeing & Sport
Experience how sport and activity drives community wellbeing & cohesion alongside economic growth and UK soft power
Community & Wellbeing / Rugby / Football / Tennis / Motorsport/ Cricket / Sport & Community
Frontline Services
Engage with the people at the heart of those emergency services working to keep our communities safe, healthy and resilient.
Police / Fire / Ambulance / RNLI / Mountain Rescue / Search and Rescue
"As Patron of the Parliamentary Knowledge Schemes, I am delighted to support this important initiative that is changing how Parliament engages with practical knowledge and expertise.
The Parliamentary Knowledge Schemes will provide Members of Parliament with structured learning opportunities that connect them directly with frontline professionals, volunteers and experts. Through these programmes, MPs gain real-world insights from businesses, charities, institutions, and public service organisations, helping them understand how policy decisions affect communities and how different sectors interact."
Governance & Board
Our governance structure ensures we maintain our impartial and apolitical direction while keeping each scheme's themes, topics and partners balanced.
The Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle Speaker of the House of Commons
Position:
Advisory Board- Patron
Party:
N/A
LinkedIn:
Click Here
The Rt Hon. Sir James Cleverly MP
Position:
Advisory Board- Political
Party:
Click Here
LinkedIn:
Click Here
Christ Law MP
Position:
Advisory Board- Political (Small Parties)
Party:
SNP (Small Parties REP)
LinkedIn:
Click Here
Phil Carling
Position:
Advisory Board- Non-Political (Chair Sport and Wellbeing)
Party:
NA
LinkedIn:
Click Here
Nick Bridge
Position:
Advisory Board- Non-Political (Chair Energy and Environment)
Party:
NA
LinkedIn:
Click HereAbout Our Governance
Alongside our cross-party board, we have a range of apolitical board appointees as well as external institutions that support our legal, financial, and structural oversight, ensuring a consistent level of transparency.
We work closely with the various bodies within the House of Commons, using their guidance and support to ensure the schemes are in line with the Parliamentary codes of conduct.
If you would like to learn more about how we are governed please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
About the Parliamentary Knowledge Schemes
What are the Parliamentary Knowledge Schemes?
The Parliamentary Knowledge Schemes (PKS) work in collaboration with the Speaker's Office to broaden MPs' knowledge across a range of thematic areas through structured, impartial programmes of activities.
Are you linked to the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme?
We have been inspired by the excellent work of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme and the former Police and Fire Schemes sharing many of the same goals. Our agreement with The House is the same as the AFPS's, but we are a separate organisation.
Application Process
Is this only for new MPs?
No. The schemes provide value and experiences for all MPs. Regardless of how long you have been in Parliament.
Can I apply for multiple schemes?
Yes, but please list your preference for each scheme when applying.
Programme Structure
Will this be cross-party?
Yes, all schemes are cross-party and impartial.
Is this relevant to my constituency?
Yes, each scheme operates at local, national, and international levels, ensuring relevance to your constituency work and opportunities for experiences in your community.
Travel & Logistics
Will I receive advance notice of all visit dates?
We aim to provide 3-6 months' notice for all activities.
Ethics & Compliance
Where should I go to for advice on Registration and Declaration?
If a Member is in any doubt about the requirement to make a registration or declaration, they should contact the Registrar’s Office at commonsregistrar@parliament.uk
Do I need to declare my participation?
The rules on declaring interests in Parliamentary proceedings are set out in Chapter 2 of the Code of Conduct and Guide to the Rules. You will need to declare your participation when relevant. This includes declaring visits to companies or organisations you have visited as part of the scheme.
IPSA & Expenses
Do I have to contribute any costs from my office budget?
No, the schemes should not cost you anything from your office budget.
Communications & Media
Will you be providing footage of me on the Schemes?
Yes. We will be ensuring that you have footage and photos of your experiences on the Schemes
Partners & Funding
How are you funded?
Like similar organisations who work in parliament, we are funded by a mixture of foundations, businesses, charites and institutions who provide their time, financial support, or services in kind. We will publish a full list of collaborators for each scheme.
Support & Contact
Who do I contact if I have questions about the schemes?
You can contact PKS directly, your party's Whips' Office, or your party's Board representative.
For Parliament Staff
Can Parliamentary staff attend visits?
This depends on the specific scheme and visit but we welcome Staffer involvement. Please contact PKS to discuss arrangements for staff attendance.
Our Team
Our team's diverse background reflects our core ethos.
Drawing from our operational experience across the public sector, creative industries, the global south, and conflict zones, we have learned that knowledge gained through direct experience creates the most powerful foundation for engagement and understanding
