UK Parliament Explored: the Work and Role of Select Committees (FutureLearn)

You’ll explore how select committees have evolved and how members are selected today. By examining case studies, you will gain an understanding of the select committee process, learn how written evidence is gathered and consider what it’s like to be a witness. You will also discuss the influence select committees can have on policy making and reflect on factors that may affect the impact of their recommendations.

What topics will you cover?

• An overview of the work and role of select committees’ work in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
• The focus of select committee inquiries in each House.
• Cross-party membership of select committees, including the process for selecting chairs and members.
• How select committees have evolved and changed over time.
• How select committee inquiries work, the different steps in the process.
• A greater understanding of the potential impact of select committee reports and recommendations.
• How members of the public can engage with select committees.

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

• Explore the work and role of select committees in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
• Identify the focus of different committees in each House.
• Develop your understanding of the cross-party membership of select committees, including the process for selecting chairs and members.
• Reflect how select committees have evolved and changed over time.
• Explore how a select committee inquiry works including the different steps in the process.
• Develop a greater understanding of the potential impacts of select committees including reports and recommendations.
• Explore how members of the public can engage with select committees.