Preparing to Give Evidence at Select Committees

Andrew Dismore

Andrew was the MP for Hendon from 1997 to 2010. In a varied parliamentary career, Andrew built a reputation as an expert in private members’ legislation and chaired the Joint Select Committee on Human Rights. He also served on the Standards and Privileges Committee for nine years, the Work and Pensions Committee for seven years and the powerful Liaison Committee for five years.

Growing up in a political family, Andrew began his career in politics in 1982, as the then youngest ever councillor on Westminster City Council, becoming Leader of the Labour Group in 1990. Prior to entering Parliament, Andrew had been a partner at Thompsons and at Russell Jones and Walker, specialising in personal injury and trades union law. Andrew now works as a consultant specialising in legal affairs. Andrew is also the co-ordinator of the Access to Justice Group.

Bridget Prentice

With over 27 years’ experience of leadership in the public sector and almost two decades spent in Parliament, Bridget has an insider’s understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face public bodies and third sector organisations.

Bridget has served 18 years as MP for Lewisham East, was a Government Whip and a Minister in the Ministry of Justice with responsibility for 14 policy areas. This ranges from legal services, the courts and tribunals, youth engagement to electoral administration etc. She has piloted major pieces of legislation through parliamentary process and has negotiated financial packages to support key groups such as Coroners’ Courts Support Staff. She has also played a key role in designing and implementation of policy.

Prior to taking on ministerial positions, Bridget was a member of the Home Affairs Committee, Court of Referees and Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration. She is presently a Trustee on the Jimmy Mizen Foundation and on Age Exchange, the Chair of Governors of Trinity Lewisham School and Electoral Commissioner at the Electoral Commission.