There are a range of member-led outreach activities taking place throughout the year as part of the House of Lords Outreach Programme. Some activities are one-off initiatives, others are ongoing programmes.
The House of Lords works on behalf of the people of the UK and it is vital the public understand and feel engaged with the work of the House and the parliamentary system.
Members explain the work of the House of Lords and encourage people to engage and build strong relationships with Parliament through a range of outreach activities, meeting and connecting with new audiences and groups in the community.
Outreach events
As well as chairing daily business in the House of Lords chamber, the Lord Speaker is an ambassador for the House and has helped develop an active outreach programme designed to engage the public, especially young people, with the work of the House of Lords.
Peers in Schools
Schools can apply to be visited by a member of the House to hear direct explanations of their work and the role of the Lords. The Peers in Schools programme allows the House of Lords to demonstrate its experience and knowledge, with participating schools. Members including academics, former teachers, scientists, lawyers, former cabinet ministers and civil servants, have visited over 500 schools.
House of Lords chamber events
The House of Lords opens up the chamber once a year and invites people to debating events. Recent chamber events have involved young people debating issues from the future of the Lords to climate change.
Online
The Information Office manages the House of Lords online content, including www.parliament.uk/lords and social media channels.
Twitter
The House of Lords has its own Twitter channel – @UKHouseofLords. Staff tweet throughout the day, keeping the general public up to date with question time, news from the chamber and the latest committee work.
Lords of the Blog
Lords of the Blog is a cross-party blog managed by the Hansard Society and supported by the House of Lords. It provides an independent forum for members to discuss all aspects of the House and its work firsthand with a broad online audience.