Secretariat

The Secretariat plays a pivotal role in the successful operation of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology. Operating independently, the Secretariat ensures that the APPG functions smoothly, delivering value to its members and supporting Parliament’s engagement with the UK’s defence technology sector.

What does the Secretariat do?

The Secretariat is responsible for:

•Administrative Management: Coordinating and managing the day-to-day activities of the APPG, ensuring it meets all compliance and operational requirements.

•Parliamentary Support: Suggesting parliamentary questions, supporting policy discussions, and offering strategic insights to APPG officers.

Meetings and Events

•Meeting Coordination: Organising and facilitating both online and face-to-face meetings with parliamentarians, industry leaders, and stakeholders.

•Event Planning: Arranging high-profile events and exhibitions that provide a platform for showcasing new technologies and fostering dialogue.

Communications and Research

Stakeholder Communication: Engaging regularly with APPG members through newsletters, policy updates, and ongoing discussions.
Research and Reports: Producing comprehensive reports on relevant defence technology topics to inform MPs and stakeholders.

How does the Secretariat Operate

The Secretariat operates as an independent entity separate from the APPG itself. This independence ensures unbiased, transparent support while maintaining the APPG’s compliance with parliamentary standards. Despite being separate, the Secretariat works in very close collaboration with the APPG officers to achieve shared goals:

Impartial Operations: The Secretariat provides objective administrative and strategic support, without influencing the APPG’s decisions or policy stances.
Transparent Practices: All activities, funding, and relationships managed by the Secretariat are disclosed to the APPG officers, maintaining full transparency.
Dedicated Support: By handling the operational load, the Secretariat allows MPs and APPG officers to focus on the core mission of promoting and discussing defence technology advancements.

Our Team

Strategic Adviser James Clark

James is a seasoned professional with a distinguished background in military service and government advisory. James co-founded the APPG with Fred Thomas MP and Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP and provides strategic advice to the Secretariat. The dedicated team who run operations can be reached at [email protected]