No. MPs will not be asked to contribute to the costs of the 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.

No, we are not an interest group like an APPG. We are working on behalf of the House to provide profesional and structured learning schemes rather than advocacy.

We have been inspired by the excellent work of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, but we are a separate organisation.

The Schemes offer a blend of experiences across thematic areas, giving MPs opportunities to gain a comprehensive understanding of how topics and organisations interconnect, moving beyond traditional briefings to real-world context.

No. The schemes provide value and experiences for all MPs. Regardless of how long you have been in Parliament.

Follow the link on our website and complete the application form.

Yes, but please list your preference for each scheme when applying.

No, you can only participate in one scheme per year.

Yes, schemes are open to MPs every year, and you can participate in different schemes in subsequent years.

The cohort for each scheme will, wherever possible, reflect the composition of the Chamber. The Speaker's Office and each party's Whips Office are consulted on MPs selected for each scheme.

Yes, we welcome applications from all MPs, provided you can meet the time commitments.

No, your constituency makes no difference to your eligibility or selection.

Please see our Board Members section on the website for your party representative.

No, once you are on a scheme you are committed to completing that course as per the credits system

Parliament always comes first. We schedule schemes during non-sitting days and recess periods wherever possible. If Parliament is recalled, we will facilitate your return to Westminster.

Each scheme operates on a credit-based system. You need to achieve a certain number of credits to graduate. While we understand you might not be able to attend every module, we expect 80% attendance to graduate from the scheme.

Yes, the first four module dates are included for each scheme when you apply.

Similar to an academic programme, you need a certain number of credits to graduate. For overseas or particularly popular trips, you'll need to have earned a certain number of credits to participate.

Yes, all schemes are cross-party and impartial.

Yes, each scheme operates at local, national, and international levels, ensuring relevance to your constituency work and opportunities for experiences in your community.

Yes, diary reminders will be sent by PKS along with the initial set of dates for each scheme.

We aim to provide 3-6 months' notice for all activities.

Yes, you are covered by Parliamentary travel insurance.

Accommodation, travel, and some meals are covered. PKS covers some food, as do delivery partners, and you can use your IPSA subsistence budget.

Travel is booked through the Parliamentary Travel Team wherever possible, within IPSA budget guidelines

Both. International travel is covered by PKS, while UK travel is covered by IPSA, where appropriate. No modules will take place in Parliament.

No, you will not receive gifts from any delivery partners across the schemes.

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

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.

Participants in the scheme are not required to register their involvement in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. However, Members who are trustees of the scheme should register that position under Category 8: Miscellaneous within 28 days of taking up the position.

Some food will be covered by PKS or delivery partners - this will be made clear in advance. You can also use your £25 IPSA subsistence budget.

You claim costs as you would for any usual IPSA claim.

UK travel and subsistence are covered by IPSA where relevant.

No, the schemes should not cost you anything from your office budget.

Yes. We will be ensuring that you have footage and photos of your experiences on the Schemes

Yes, we will publish full lists of our partners and how they have contributed to PKS on our website after our official launch.

We are funded by a mixture of foundations, businesses, and institutions who provide time, financial support, or services in kind.

Yes, delivery partners are updated on the website for each scheme as they are officially confirmed.

Yes, MPs who achieve the required credits and complete their scheme will receive a certificate of completion at the Graduation dinner.

If you are unable to attend the Scheme modules and its clear you aren't going to graduate then you will removed from the course.

We understand that parliamentary duties take priority and this is why we have a credit system. Contact PKS as soon as possible if you need to miss a module due to parliamentary business.

You can contact PKS directly, your party's Whips' Office, or your party's Board representative.

Yes. You will given access to your Members scheme plans and timings.

Yes, relevant briefing materials will be provided to both MPs and accompanying staff where appropriate.

We aim to provide 3-6 months' notice for all activities to assist with diary management.

This depends on the specific scheme and visit but we welcome Staffer involvement. Please contact PKS to discuss arrangements for staff attendance.

Not at the moment. Currently the Schemes are only open to MPs