About the Parliamentary Knowledge Foundation

The Parliamentary Knowledge Foundation was established under the patronage of the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt. Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP.

We are independent, non-profit and non-partisan.

We were founded on a simple belief: professional development should not stop the moment someone enters Parliament.

Every MP, regardless of party, background or experience, deserves the knowledge that helps them do their job better.

Our Schemes enable this.

Who are PKF

Why PKF?

Parliament is operating in a complex geopolitical world, where technology is advancing at such a pace that it challenges the conventions and assumptions of every sector.

Whilst many of the key sectors shaping life across the UK and at the heart of our communities feel their work, their challenges and their expertise are not fully understood in Westminster. A briefing or drinks reception does not build the genuine awareness of what they are facing.

PKF exists for both sides of that gap. For the organisations who want Parliament to truly understand what they do. And for the MPs who want to be better equipped to scrutinise, legislate and represent.

We work hard to make our Schemes valuable for everyone involved, the partners who open their doors and the MPs who walk through them.

Beyond the knowledge gained, our Schemes create something equally valuable. Genuine connections. Between MPs from different parties and between Parliament and the charities, businesses, organisations and institutions whose knowledge bring the Schemes to life.

Our Approach

How We Operate

Explore our governance

Independent & Non-Partisan

PKF is structurally independent of government and party politics. All programmes are designed to support parliamentary knowledge, not political advocacy.

Transparent Governance

A politically blended Advisory Board, parliamentary and external oversight ensure PKF operates openly and accountably.

Cross-Party

Schemes are open to all MPs. Each Scheme cohort is as close to the make up of The Chamber as possible.

Non-Profit Foundation

We work to make parliament more knowledgeable.
Not a profit.

Measurable Impact

Every scheme includes structured evaluation frameworks, enabling PKF to measure learning outcomes and continuously improve programme design.

Created with Sector Experts

Each Scheme design is supported by our Advisory Committees. A blend of experienced sector voices to ensure that Schemes represent the various views and organisations within the sector.

Our Process

Story of a Scheme

1: Design

2: Application

3: Scheme Delivery

4: Graduation & Evaluation

step 1

Design

Each Scheme is developed with an Advisory Committee and relevant organisations, institutions and businesses, ensuring content is accurate, balanced and gives context across a whole sector.

step 2

Application

MPs apply for the Schemes they want to be considered for during the application window.

step 3

10 Month Scheme

Schemes take place over 10 months, blending UK visits, workshops, symposiums and international visits to give context over the sector. MPs earn credits for each module attended.

step 4

Graduation & Evaluation

Those MPs that have gained enough credits graduate from the Scheme. Leaving the Scheme with a wider view and understanding of the sector and the people that work within it.

Sector Voices

Advisory Committees

How do we build a Scheme that represents a sector or thematic area?

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Explore our Approach

Why Have Committees?

At PKF we aren't the knowledge. We don't know what each Sector is struggling with or where we are exceptional in the UK. Our Committees ensure we hear the realities and the stories from the big to the small.

Designed for Parliament and Partners

Programmes are structured around what MPs and the Sector feel are the critical areas that need to be better understood and experienced. Leading to balanced, practical Schemes with better awareness and understanding.

Blended Voices

Each Committee blends Academic, Business, Public Sector, Charitable and individual experts. Ensuring we have balance and breadth represented across the Schemes.

Oversight