Committee Researcher - Sandwich Student

A large part of the work of the House of Commons and the House of Lords takes place in committees, made up of MPs or Lords. These committees consider policy issues, scrutinise the work and expenditure of the government, and examine proposals for primary and secondary legislation. Select committees (see below) operate largely by an investigative process, while legislative committees operate mainly by debate.

Students allocated to the Committee Office will work for one, or possibly two, of the House of Commons select committees.

Select committees, in most cases scrutinise the work of a particular Government Department conducting inquiries into policy and expenditure issues falling within that Department's responsibilities. They are composed of cross-party backbench MPs. Each committee has a small secretariat which provides politically impartial procedural, specialist and administrative support to it.

You will be required to assist members of the Committee staff with the provision of support to the Committee, including conducting research and undertaking administrative and organisational tasks in pursuance of Committee inquiries or other work, preparation of briefing material for the Committee, assisting in drafting reports for the Committee, and developing a sound knowledge of certain subjects covered by the Committee.

The Person

• Understands the role and work of Parliament with an understanding of the context in which policy is made.
• Demonstrate good communication skills; both written and oral.
• The ability to assimilate, understand and analyse evidence and an aptitude to work on your own initiative.

Benefits

• Annual leave starting at 30 days pro rata
• Civil Service Pension scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Discounted membership of the in-house gym

All applications must be submitted on a House of Commons application form

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found on the job description