Help Desk for UK Parliamentarians and Civic Leaders

The UKNCC Help Desk is a free and confidential service for Parliamentarians and Civic Leaders in support of their work to best understand China and the opportunities and challenges it presents.

The service offers:

Signposting to relevant, high-quality and broadranging research / commentary, enabling readers to explore issues of interest to them from different perspectives.

121 sessions to discuss and explore China related issues; free from partisan; special interest group; and lobbying influencers.

'Deep-dive' tutorials, with subject specialists, to help participants focus on the key issues of most concern and interest to them.

The service is accessed by completing the online enquiry form below and is open to Parliamentarians and Civic Leaders (and their assistants) from the; UK Parliament; Northern Ireland Assembly; Scottish Parliament; and Senedd Cymru.

NB: Like Chatham House, UKNCC does NOT offer 'institutional views'.

"The job of being a UK Parliamentarian or Civic Leader is extraordinarily demanding and wide ranging. This Help Desk is being provided by the UKNCC to give colleagues on-demand and confidential support where they can ask questions and explore issues on a one-to-one basis, free from partisan lobbying or special interest groups. It is simply an excellent initiative."

Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Chairman

UKNCC Advisory Board

"The UKNCC is a nimble, responsive and volunteer led organisation, that is free to address the needs of the UK as it sees them. Unencumbered by convention or funder preferences, the team has looked at what support is available and identified serious gaps that need to be filled. This Help Desk is an important step towards that goal."

Wendy Alexander, Vice-Chair

UKNCC Advisory Board

FAQ's

Who can access the Help Desk?

Serving members of the UK Parliament; Northern Ireland Assembly; Scottish Parliament; and Senedd Cymru (inc.assistants / research staff).
City Mayors, Council Leaders and Local Councillors (inc. assistants / research staff) of the 4 nations of the UK.

What support is provided?

Assignment of a case manager to lead on each individual enquiry.
Informed guidance on research and commentary pertinent to developing a current and balanced understanding of each topic of interest.
121 discussion sessions with UKNCC team members / 121 'deep dive' tutorials with subject specialists drawn from our global network of volunteers.

How is the Help Desk funded?

The service is run by British volunteers with administrative costs currently borne personally by the Directors of UKNCC. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13040199

What 3rd party research and commentary does UKNCC draw on?

The UKNCC reviews a vast array of China related research and commentary from around the world in English and Chinese. From this, our team hold a current and intimate understanding of the range of materials in circulation.
UKNCC does not hold any formal or informal arrangements with any individual author or entity to promote or disseminate any material.

Why is UKNCC providing this service?

We believe that the job of being a UK Parliamentarian and Civil Leader is extraordinarily demanding and wide ranging. Similarly, the task of developing a sophisticated, well-informed understanding of China and its impact on the UK is equally complex.
UKNCC is providing this service to help make knowledge acquisition on China more efficient for UK Parliamentarians and Civic Leaders.
The outcome we aim to support is well informed decision making; that is less vulnerable to the influence of special interest, lobbying and partisan groups.

Is UKNCC 'pro-China?'

UKNCC is pro-sophistication, not pro-China or anti-China.
Our team and Advisory Board comprise UK volunteers who have varied views and experience of China. What we all share, is a commitment to helping the UK be as sophisticated as possible in its knowledge of China.

Can I access the service if I am not a Parliamentarian or Civic Leader?

The purpose of this service is specifically to support UK Parliamentarians and Civic Leaders. We are, however, a friendly and enthusiastic bunch, so get in touch and if we can help, we will.

What is the process for raising any concerns?

If you have any concerns about the service, conduct or neutrality of any of the volunteers involved, contact Wendy Alexander, Vice-Chairman of the UKNCC Advisory Board at perspective@ukncc.org