MPs and MSs can play a vital role in influencing government policy and securing support for specialist further education at both local and national levels. The method you ask them to use will depend on the issue at hand and the impact you seek. For example, they can:
- Table written questions to ministers – written questions are useful for asking specific questions related to your college or constituency and for seeking a documented government position on a specific topic or issue.
- Ask oral questions in their respective chamber- oral questions are a good opportunity to highlight specific college successes or constituency-level challenges, as well as drawing more attention to an issue.
- Seek debates on specific topics – debates provide a platform to have a detailed discussion on specific challenges at the local or national level and attract cross-party and ministerial attention.
- Host events in Parliament or the Senedd – MPs and MSs can host your college, showcase your work or launch an event
- Raise issues with ministers in writing and in person – MPs and MSs have easier access to ministers and decision makers so are able to raise your issues more effectively.
If you have questions on which method is best suited to your specific circumstance, please contact policy@natspec.org.uk
When should you contact them?
There are numerous scenarios in which you might want to make contact:
- Constituency-specific issue – if you are facing a specific issue at the local level, engaging with your MP or MS can be a useful means of highlighting the issue and pushing for policy change.
- National issues with local impact – if there’s a wider issue affecting specialist FE, it’s worth writing to your representative. Hearing how national policies are affecting learners and families in their own constituency helps MPs and MSs form a position and strengthens the case for national change.
- At the start of a new parliamentary term or after a reshuffle – when MPs and MSs are newly elected or take on new responsibilities, it’s a great time to congratulate them, introduce your college and offer a visit.
- When you’re launching something new – representatives welcome the opportunity to get involved in positive news stories within their constituency, so make sure to invite them to help open a new building, celebrate a successful learner story or speak at a college event.
- Pre and post budget announcements and spending reviews – an opportunity to clearly identify government priorities and share your response with your MP or MS to effectively advocate for your future needs.
- During national campaigns or awareness weeks – use relevant campaigns as an opportunity to reconnect, linking your local examples to the bigger picture.
It is important to maintain regular contact if you want them to become a champion of the college. You can send them updates on ways in which national issues are playing out at a local level. You can pass on success stories and invite them to come into college to celebrate some of these. Helping them to establish a clear understanding and position on the place of specialist further education settings allows them to become effective and engaged champions, representing your college and the wider sector in Parliament.
For more information on what to ask of your MP, contact policy@natspec.org.uk