Recommendation 10

It is clear that gender sensitivity was not embedded in the Restoration and Renewal programme from the outset in 2013. We note that the programme now has accessibility and inclusion as one of its strategic aims and that the Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body (Sponsor Body) has a small Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team. We welcome recent steps taken by the Sponsor Body to survey the experiences and needs of the parliamentary community, including MPs. However, we are concerned that there continues to be insufficient institutionalised focus on, and expertise in, gender sensitivity to support the programme. We recommend the Sponsor Body appoint an independent advisory panel of experts on gender and diversity sensitivity to advise on building design and facilities in the Outline Business Case for any temporary decant location and the restored and renewed Palace of Westminster. This panel should include specific expertise to support the Sponsor Body to comply with its legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 on sex and other protected characteristics. We also recommend that the Sponsor Body conduct and publish annual audits of its contribution to a gender sensitive House of Commons, drawing on the recommendations in The Good Parliament report and regular consultation with 46 Equality in the heart of democracy: A gender sensitive House of Commons the parliamentary community, so that there can be transparent scrutiny by the public and this Committee. Its annual audit should include the diversity of the Sponsor Body itself, including its parliamentary membership.

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