Officially reporting…

In February 2024, I began a one day a week role at The Official Report for the House of Commons – more commonly known as Hansard.

I produce written reports of proceedings of select, public bill and delegated legislation committees, and of debates that take place in Westminster Hall.

Hansard is a substantially verbatim report of what is said, meaning the role involves transcribing the words of MPs and witnesses but then editing to remove repetitions and mistakes, without taking away from the meaning or the voice of the individual.

Essentially this involves "translating" spoken English into written English, while paying very close attention to accuracy and to style – and that includes Hansard’s many charming house style idiosyncrasies. Government treated as a plural? Yes indeed!