Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker how much has been spent on the consultants employed in developing the Behaviour Code and implementing its associated training programmes.

It is not possible to separate the sums paid to consultants and other third parties for developing the Behaviour Code and delivering its associated training programmes from those associated with the development of the wider Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS).

The total of such costs across Parliament since the 2019/20 financial year is £1,144,307. This includes sums paid to consultants for developing the Behaviour Code, designing the associated training sessions and delivering them on a rolling basis to members, staff and members’ staff across both Houses. Also included in this figure is the wider training provided to ICGS staff on investigating complaints and on supporting the phone lines for reporting bullying; meetings with the independent reviewers of the ICGS; and training for House of Commons staff supporting new MPs after the General Election.

As the ICGS is a shared service, these costs are split according to a 70/30 ratio between the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The cost to the House of Lords since 2019/20 is therefore £343,292.