Whips have long had a reputation, whether deserved or not, which shrouds them and their work in mystery.  They blend into the crowd and appear to the outsider unobtrusive, the convention being that Government whips do not sign EDMs or table questions to Ministers.  Nor do they give media interviews in their capacity as whip; in fact, most of the general public remain blissfully unaware of their existence.  It all builds up to a shadowy reputation of concern with only the most lofty and secretive goings on of the House.  This Guide is designed for new Researchers and constituency staff to be able to confidently use the word ‘whip’ in everyday conversation – which is, after all, one of the benefits of a job in politics.

http://www.w4mp.org/w4mp/w4mp-guides/whos-who/whips-and-their-work/