Black Rod
Black Rod is a senior officer in the House of Lords, responsible for controlling access to and maintaining order within the House and its precincts.
The Clerk of the Parliaments, to whom Black Rod reports, is in overall charge of the administration of the House, which provides all other services for Members of the Lords.
Black Rod's parliamentary duties fall into two categories: administrative and ceremonial.
Administrative duties
Black Rod's post consists of the following functions.
Lady or Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod
This is a Crown appointment. It is responsible for organising access to and maintaining order within the Lords Chamber and the precincts
Secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain
Appointed by the Lord Great Chamberlain, Black Rod is responsible for and participates in the major ceremonial events in the Palace of Westminster.
Black Rod is also responsible for the King's residual estate in the Palace (eg the Robing Room and the Royal Gallery).
Ceremonial duties: State Opening
Black Rod's role at the State Opening of Parliament is one of the most well-known images of Parliament.
Black Rod is sent from the Lords Chamber to the Commons Chamber to summon MPs to hear the King's Speech. Traditionally the door of the Commons is slammed in Black Rod's face to symbolise the Commons independence.
He or she then bangs three times on the door with the rod. The door to the Commons Chamber is then opened and all MPs – talking loudly – follow Black Rod back to the Lords to hear the King's Speech.
Further information
Sarah Clarke was appointed as the new Black Rod on 17 November 2017. She formally took on the duties as Lady Usher of the Black Rod in February 2018.