Together, the House of Lords and the House of Commons shape the laws, policies and decisions that impact every facet of life in our country.
While both chambers work in tandem, they serve very different functions in the Houses of Parliament, and individuals would need to follow entirely separate steps to be considered a member of the House of Lords or the House of Commons.
In this article, we explore what factors distinguish the House of Commons and the House of Lords, how the separate houses work collaboratively and what it takes to become a member of the House of Lords. We’ll also share why national recognition often starts with building a strong public profile.
At Awards Intelligence, we help outstanding individuals gain the recognition they deserve. While applications for royal honours and business awards are often complex, our expert guidance ensures you can navigate them with confidence.
What is the House of Commons?
The House of Commons is the elected chamber in the UK’s government, made up of 650 Members of Parliament (MPs). Each elected individual is chosen by the UK public and represents each constituency’s interests and concerns. General elections, which decide who gets elected and enters the House of Commons, are held every five years.
The House of Commons is a hive of political activity; it’s the central arena where laws are proposed, policies are scrutinised, and national issues are debated. Any legislation is thoroughly reviewed, and any changes that are made are then passed onto the House of Lords for further assessment.
What is the House of Lords?
The House of Lords serves as the second chamber in the Houses of Parliament and plays an integral role in examining legislation and holding the government accountable.
Unlike the Commons, its members, known as peers, aren’t elected by the public. Instead, they are appointed according to their professional expertise, political service or hereditary peerage. Some belong to political parties, while others sit as crossbenchers, who provide independent voices and help to maintain balance in political debate.
As of September 2025, there are 851 members of the House of Lords, all from a diversity of different political, social, cultural, religious and professional backgrounds, offering a broad representation of perspectives.
Their role is to improve upon bills, scrutinise and challenge legislation and investigate issues in important areas of public policy, often bringing a deeper level of specialist knowledge to discussions. All legislation must pass through both houses before it becomes law, so the House of Lords remains an integral part of the UK Parliament.
How Are Lords Appointed?
The House of Lords Appointments Commission, established in 2000, is an independent body that puts forward individuals for non-party-political life peerages. Like royal honours, any recommendations need to be approved by the Prime Minister and formally finalised by the King.
Once a candidate has been approved, it may take several weeks before they are announced, either by the Appointments Commission or the government, as a new member of the House of Lords. However, before this happens, legal documentation must be drawn up, known as Letters Patent and the Writ of Summons. These official letters will grant an individual the title of Lord or Baroness and a seat in the House of Lords.
Becoming a member of the House of Lords is one of the highest honours in British society. It provides a platform for talented individuals from all backgrounds to influence national policy, share their expertise, and shape the future of our country.
What are the Differences Between House of Commons and House of Lords?
Though both chambers are integral to how the UK is governed, there are fundamental differences between House of Commons and House of Lords:
- Election vs. appointment: Members of the House of Commons are elected by the public, whereas members of the House of Lords are appointed.
- Legislative power: The Commons holds more direct political power. The Lords, however, refine and challenge this legislation with expert insight.
- Term length: MPs serve fixed terms, usually five years. Conversely, most Lords are life peers, meaning they will be members for their lifetime.
- Accountability: Peers in the House of Lords are known for their independence of thought. On the other hand, MPs answer to their constituents and must seek re-election to remain in the House of Commons.
Despite these contrasts, both chambers share a common purpose: to ensure that our laws are fair, effective and representative of the public and their values.
Your Journey to the House of Lords Starts Here
Are you looking to give back to society by sharing your thought leadership, knowledge and wealth of experience? Then becoming a member of the House of Lords could be the right path for you.
While a place in the House of Lords remains one of the highest honours in British public life, the journey towards such recognition often begins long before a formal appointment. Many individuals have first been recognised through royal honours or business awards that celebrate their outstanding contributions to society, business or public service.
Expert Support with Awards Intelligence
If you believe you have made a meaningful impact in your field, pursuing a royal honour or a prestigious business award can be a powerful way to gain recognition and enhance your public profile. These accolades not only celebrate your achievements but may also lay the groundwork for future opportunities at the highest levels of public service, including an appointment to the House of Lords.
If you’re ready to take the next step, our expert team can support you in putting together a strong case for a royal honour or business award. Speak with a member of our expert team today to explore how we can help you get the recognition you deserve.