Our word of the month this month is another word making its legislative debut in the Online Safety Act - "bot". It isn't defined by the Act, but is included in the meaning of "automated tool" in section 236.

We are very sad that Elizabeth has decided to retire as First Parliamentary Counsel. We are now seeking her successor - an exceptional leader, able to manage delivery of the legislative programme. Apply by 28 February - click here for more information: civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi?…

We paid a visit to civil service colleagues in Number 10 last week to play "Legislate?!" - the OPC board game which teaches players all about the legislative process. It was great to discuss everyone's experiences of working on legislation - we all learned a lot from each other!

Last week, we were delighted to host H.E. Ahmad Saeed Bin Meshar, Secretary General of The Supreme Legislation Committee of the Government of Dubai and his colleagues for a wide-ranging discussion about drafting, office structures and capability building.

The new edition of our drafting guidance is now available! If you would like to take a look, you can find it here: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/660407d0…

Our word of the month is "chocolate", which appears 8 times in primary legislation (most unexpectedly, in the name of the "Chocolate Express Omnibus Company, Limited" who are listed in the London Passenger Transport Act 1933 as undertakers of a "passenger transport undertaking"!)

We are delighted to announce that Jessica de Mounteney has been appointed as the new First Parliamentary Counsel! She will take over from Elizabeth when Elizabeth retires at the end of April. You can read more about Jessica's appointment here: gov.uk/government/new…

Our word of the month is “GIF” which appears three times in the Online Safety Act 2023. It’s not defined in the Act, but “GIF” stands for “graphics interchange format” – a format for encoding images which enables them to be displayed, stored and transmitted between networks.

It’s a very exciting day for OPC today – it’s Jessica de Mounteney’s (Jessica de Mounteney) first day as First Parliamentary Counsel! Good luck in your new role, Jessica - we can’t wait to see what the future brings for OPC under your leadership.

Four of our Parliamentary Counsel attended #CALCJamaica last week- Luke Norbury and Andrew Wright gave a presentation on maximising quality in drafting

Our word of the month is “wash-up” in relation to the dissolution of Parliament. It refers to the last few days before dissolution when bills that are before Parliament are either progressed quickly by agreement or they are lost. Definitely more exciting than doing the dishes!

After 5 wonderful years as Deputy Director for Legislative Affairs at 10 Downing Street, and over a decade in Westminster, my time working in Government has come to an end and a new challenge awaits. It has been an honour and the privilege of a lifetime to work in No.10.

Topical word(s) of the month for July: "Olympic symbol", meaning "the symbol of the International Olympic Committee, consisting of five interlocking rings". The symbol was given special trade mark protection by the Olympic Symbol etc. (Protection) Act 1995.

OPC is delighted to participate in the #GreatLegalBake for #ProBonoWeek. Our bake sales will be taking place in our offices to help raise funds in support of #accesstojustice. Raising dough for justice!🍰@LondonLegal

Yesterday we kicked off Parliament Week 2024 with a Q&A about the role of the First Parliamentary Counsel and OPC . It was great to see so many colleagues across the Civil Service learning about us #parliamentweek2024

Last week First Parliamentary Counsel Jessica de Mounteney alongside Diggory Bailey provided oral evidence at the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee as part of their framework legislation inquiry.

Yesterday, I welcomed the Heads of Drafting offices from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We regularly meet to keep each other updated about our work

We are recruiting 2 Parliamentary Counsel Directors. The postholders will be responsible for delivering bills of all kinds and play a visible and effective leadership role on drafting projects, in their team and in the wider office. You can apply here⬇️ rb.gy/qkvryz

The word "Valentine" appears in the Calendar (New Style) Act 1750. It provided the adoption of the Gregorian calendar throughout the British Empire. It set rules for determining the dates for the moveable feast of Easter and other feast days, including...Saint Valentine!🌹

Yesterday we welcomed Lord Sales who delivered a talk on his interest in statutory interpretation, arising from his experiences as counsel and thinking about the issue as a judge.