About us
Dods is the natural partner for Government, policy makers and policy influencers to consult, inform, understand and communicate effectively with the public affairs and policy making community and for organisations to directly liaise with and impact upon Government.
The Company
The company has earned this position after a long and successful history built upon providing contact and biographical information about and to the Houses of Parliament and the Civil Service since 1832. Renowned for the quality, accuracy and relevance of the political information it provides it is one of the oldest political publishing houses in the world offering some of the most regarded and respected political titles in the world.
Using online technology Dods improves the flow of communication, information and knowledge within the political community. Delivering impartial, timely and accurate public affairs and policy intelligence, our pedigree makes us the natural conduit for political and parliamentary communication.
Dods uses its sophisticated knowledge and information base to offer training and other development opportunities to people who work within or need to understand the political world.
The company has a range of premium publications, products and services to suit all public affairs and policy needs.
Our history
2006
The Parliament Magazine is rebranded and launches a sister publication, the Parliament Magazine Regional Review. euPolitix is rebranded TheParliament.com – all three now represent the Parliament Group in Europe. Vacher’s Parliamentary Profiles, covering all current MPs; Who’s Who in Public Affairs and Dod’s Westminster Contacts are launched. Dod’s Parliamentary Communications rebrands as Dods. Dods acquires Parliamentary Monitoring Services.
2005
The Parliamentary Monitor group launches the Regional Monitor to highlight best practice in the Regional Development Agencies and local government. ePolitix launch fringe events at the Party Conferences.
2004
Whitehall and Westminster World, a fortnightly publication for the civil service, is launched. Huveaux PLC acquires Parliamentary Communications Ltd and merges it with Vacher Dod Publishing to form Dod’s Parliamentary Communications. This brings the Vacher Dod books and the House Magazine, the Parliamentary Monitor, Parliament Magazine, Whitehall and Westminster World and ePolitix.com under one imprint. Vacher’s Parliamentary Companion is renamed Vacher’s Quarterly. In over 173 years Vacher’s has never missed an issue.
2003
Dod’s Constituency Guide is published for the first time, providing in-depth profiles and statistics on all 659 UK parliamentary constituencies. Dod’s Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Companion is published in the year the three devolved assemblies hold elections. euPolitix, a free political information site, is launched carrying European political news, information and MPs’ websites.
2002
Huveaux PLC acquires Vacher Dod Publishing Ltd. Dod’s Civil Service Companion is launched, providing biographical information on senior and middle management civil servants. Dod’s Scottish Parliament Companion is published, providing biographical information on all Members of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive.
2001
Vacher’s European Companion is merged with Vacher’s Parliamentary Companion to provide one comprehensive UK and European Union quarterly companion.
2000
ePolitix.com, a free political information site, is launched carrying UK political news, information and MPs’ websites.
1997
The Handbook of House of Commons Procedure is first published, written by parliamentary insider Paul Evans, who has 15 years’ experience as a clerk within the House of Commons.
1996
Two of the oldest houses in political publishing – Dod’s and Vacher’s – merge to create a new publishing company, Vacher Dod Publishing.
1995
DodOnDisk , the predecessor to DodOnline, is launched, enabling customers to receive information on MPs and peers via a CD for use on their own computer.
1976
The House Magazine, a parliamentary publication for MPs, launched.
1972
Vacher’s European Companion is launched to complement Vacher’s Parliamentary Companion and provide information on the people and institutions of the then European Economic Communities.
1960
Dod’s Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage ceases publication; information on the peerage is incorporated into Dod’s Parliamentary Companion.
1932
Vacher’s Parliamentary Companion and Dod’s Parliamentary Companion celebrate their 100th birthdays!
1841
Charles Dod launches Dod’s Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage, later incorporated into Dod’s Parliamentary Companion.
1833
Vacher’s Corrected List of the House of Commons Returned to Serve in the 10th Parliament of the United Kingdom is re-named Vacher’s Parliamentary Companion with the inclusion of the House of Lords.
1832
Dod’s Parliamentary Companion first published by Charles Dod. It records the first Parliament after the Great Reform Act of that year, since when it has been published annually.
Under the title Vacher’s Corrected List of the House of Commons Returned to Serve in the 10th Parliament of the United Kingdom Thomas Vacher publishes the first-ever edition of what is now know as Vacher’s Quarterly. The first issue consisted of only 36 pages and cost 6d.
Investing in young people
Dods has a number of programmes and projects aimed at engaging young with politics and voting. These include:
Electus Start
A website offering advice, information and job opportunities for young people who wish to work in and around politics. More information at www.electus-start.com
The Parliamentary Press Gallery & Dods Annual Writing Competition
Since 2004 Dods and the Press Gallery have held a writing competition for young people. See www.writenow.org.uk for details.
