Our illustrated briefing papers provide quick guides to the role and functions of the House of Lords and its integral part in the work of Parliament.
Contact the House of Lords Information Office for free copies of any briefing paper or our public information pack.
Users of screen magnification and text-to-speech software can contact the House of Lords Information Office for Word format versions of the briefing papers.
What the Lords and its Members do
Our booklet gives a quick guide to the role of the House of Lords and its Members and shows how the Lords makes a vital contribution to the UK’s democracy by checking plans for laws, testing public policy and challenging government decisions.
A guide to work in the chamber
A quick guide for people watching chamber business – online or in the galleries – or who want to find out how members carry out business in the chamber. It’s an overview of 'what happens when', membership and types of business.
Contact the House of Lords Information Office on 020 7219 3107 for Word format or Braille versions of the English edition.
Making laws
Turning Bills from draft laws into Acts of Parliament:
Work, membership and committees
Using Members of the Lords’ expertise and experiences to examine specific topics:
History and reform
Key dates and events in the evolution of the House of Lords: