The All Party Parliamentary Group for Carers is an officially registered all party group in Parliament. It was set established in March 2005 and is Chaired by Dr Hywel Francis MP.

The inaugural meeting of the APPG for Carers was held on 3 March 2005. At the meeting the Terms of Reference were agreed and the following officers elected.

List of Officers

At the inaugural meeting the following officers were elected:

• Chair - Dr Hywel Francis MP
  
• Honorary Secretary - Paul Burstow MP
  
• Honorary Treasurer - Baroness Royal
  
• Honorary President - Lord Ashley of Stoke
  
• Vice-Chairs: Roy Beggs MP, Huw Edwards MP, Lord Pendry, Baroness Pitkeathley and Hywel Williams MP.
  
  

Terms of Reference

To ensure the equality of opportunity for carers in the UK by liaising with carers organisations, lobbying Government and promoting legislation on their behalf; to promote awareness amongst members of both Houses of the needs of carers and former carers; to liaise with members of the devolved administrations within the UK in order to share best practice; and to link with appropriate bodies, including carers organisations, on an international basis.

Secretariat

At the meeting it was also agreed that Carers UK should provide the Secretariat for the Group. If you would like to be added to the list to receive notification of meetings and copies of minutes please contact Dave Clark at Carers UK on: Dave.Clark@carersuk.org or phone: 020 7566 7616.

Future Meetings

Meetings of the Group are expected to be held on a quarterly basis. The next meeting, in July this year, will focus on life-long learning opportunities for carers and include a discussion on the activity and format of the APPG. The autumn meeting will focus on respite care and carers access to employment.

MPs and Peers wanting to become a member of the APPG should contact Dave Clark at Carers UK on: Dave.Clark@carersuk.org or phone: 020 7566 7616.

Meetings of the Group

Minutes of the 3 March meeting are available here.