LOBBYING YOUR MSP

1. Make sure your MSP is the right person to go to and that your issue is not in fact a matter for your local councillor or MP.
2. Everyone has 8 MSPs: 1 constituency MSP and 7 regional MSPs. Normally, the first point of contact is your constituency MSP, but all your MSPs are entitled to take up a matter. 
3. The basic principle is that the wishes of the constituent are paramount.
4. You have the right to expect an MSP to take on a case – although the MSP must be able to judge how best to do so.
5. Find out about your MSP before approaching them, as this information may be helpful to your cause e.g. are they a Minister; what parliamentary committee do they sit on; are they a party spokesperson; what are their interests etc.
6. Think ‘win-win’: what will help both you and your MSP? (Positive local press coverage is always attractive to an MSP). 
7. When writing to an MSP: be brief; stick to one issue; write an individual letter rather than sending a chain letter; mention your involvement in your local church, school, group etc; request a reply and/or a meeting; and include your contact details.
8. In your letter or briefing: explain clearly why you are writing, why your concerns are relevant and use evidence to support your claims; ensure your facts are accurate; outline the arguments in your favour; describe your proposed solution and provide some counter-arguments to potential opposition.
9. If you are meeting your MSP, always go well prepared and briefed. If there is more than one person, know who is going to speak, in what order and who will take notes. Engage with your MSP – don’t condemn. Get a commitment from your MSP – and follow it up. Keep your MSP updated on the issue and any developments.
10. If your MSP is a Minister make it clear you are contacting them as your MSP. It’s harder to meet with them as they are busier but it does give you access to someone with decision-making powers.
11. Meeting them face to face is more effective, so if you can, go along to a local surgery. Look for your constituency office address on the internet, in the local paper or phone directory. Alternatively you can phone them at their local constituency office or phone them at the Scottish Parliament: dial 0131 348 5000 and ask for your MSP’s office. You can write to them again at their constituency office or at the Parliament: Alex Salmond MSP, The Scottish Parliament, EDINBURGH, EH99 1SP. Or e-mail. All the Parliament e-mail addresses follow the same formula of their first name, followed by their surname e.g. alex.salmond.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
12. More detailed information about lobbying is available on the SCPO website in a document called ‘Making a Difference’. Find it by logging on to this webpage: http://www.actsparl.org/brief610.htm


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