For the second time in just 3 years, a team of professionals who help parliamentarians in Sierra Leone with their HR and other important business needs has been to the UK Parliament. 

Known as the Members’ Service Team within the Parliament of Sierra Leone   they came here on 22 and 23 September 2026 as part of a CPA UK-supported programme. Their visit built on a 2023 benchmarking programme that helped to establish their Team. It was an opportunity to review progress, exchange lessons learned, and explore further improvements in member support, governance, and parliamentary administration. 

Over the course of two days, the team from Sierra Leone engaged with officials and subject-matter experts from across the UK Parliament, exploring how support services are delivered to Members of Parliament and their staff in London. The programme examined a broad range of subjects including governance, professional development, digital innovation, workplace culture, parliamentary standards, pensions and welfare, and institutional accountability. 

A major focus of the visit was the evolution of the House of Commons' Members and Members' Staff Services Team (MMSST). Delegates learned how the service has expanded significantly in response to changing parliamentary needs and now provides HR support, wellbeing services, accessibility assistance, learning and development opportunities, and tailored support for both newly elected and departing Members. The delegation showed particular interest in the UK's regional HR adviser model, accredited professional development programmes, and structured career-transition support for former MPs. This was identified as an area for Sierra Leone’s Member Services Team to explore further when they returned home so that Members leaving the House are equipped in finding alternative careers.  

The delegation also met representatives from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), gaining insight into the independent framework governing MPs' salaries, expenses, and staffing budgets. Discussions highlighted IPSA's principles-based approach to regulation, its commitment to transparency and public accountability, and the importance of balancing effective regulation with high-quality customer service. Delegates identified valuable lessons in financial governance, payroll administration, and public reporting. 

Digital transformation featured prominently throughout the programme. Officials from the UK’s Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) demonstrated how they deliver digital services to Members and parliamentary staff and how they support innovation through the responsible use of emerging technologies, including Microsoft Copilot and Artificial Intelligence. Sessions explored digital governance, cybersecurity, customer support, and practical AI applications that can improve efficiency, research capacity, and administrative processes. Digital transformation was identified as an area for further follow-up, with agreement that CPA UK would facilitate a meeting between the UK’s PDS and Sierra Leone’s Innovation Officer to discuss further ways tech, particularly AI, can be used safely to support Members and their staff. 

Further discussions focused on Parliament's Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) which provides an independent process for addressing bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. Delegates examined the importance of workplace culture, trusted reporting mechanisms, independent investigations and governance arrangements that promote confidence and accountability.