Support the Bishops in their work in the House of Lords.
Advise on and research materials for parliamentary speeches and interventions.
Monitor and keep the Bishops of Hereford, Southwell & Nottingham, and Coventry informed about relevant parliamentary developments and timetables.
Liaise with MPs, Peers and their staff, Parliamentary officials and others in and outside the NCIs on behalf of the Bishops.
Draft articles for publication, press notices or social media about the Bishops’ work, in close collaboration with their Communications Officers.
Provide research resource for the Bishops in their dioceses for non-parliamentary work. This may involve researching and drafting for talks, articles and lectures.
Assist with disseminating the Church’s responses to specific issues or bills, as agreed with the Head of Parliamentary Affairs and Deputy Head of Parliamentary Affairs.
Support the Head and Deputy Head of Parliamentary Affairs in their wider responsibilities and stand in for them as and when required.
Work with the Parliamentary Team to ensure that the Bishops are kept abreast of the wider activities of the Lords Spiritual and the Parliamentary Team.
Requirements
Excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing. Proven ability in drafting briefing papers or press releases, bulletins or other accessible modes of communication
Excellent organisational skills, including time management, diary management etc.
Research skills, with the ability to gather information quickly and accurately and to produce content in forms suitable for both brief speeches and full-length addresses
Ability to discern the impact of policies, legislation etc. on the Church of England, other churches, and other faith communities
Knowledge of parliamentary processes, current affairs and the making of Government policy
A grasp of the key issues facing the Church of England in its public role today
Some experience of organising events (receptions, seminars, meetings etc.)
Mature with enthusiasm, energy and imagination.
Discretion and judgement in handling confidential or sensitive material
A flexible, open and collaborative working style
A willingness to work with and learn from senior colleagues, and people of differing political and theological persuasions
Degree level or 2 years’ experience in a political or parliamentary environment.
Willingness and ability to work some unsocial hours when required and possible travel to Diocesan offices/events on occasion.
A Level (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, such as politics, theology etc.
The ability to perform well as part of a team.
Excellent ICT skills
Knowledge of current trends in politics and the policy areas of the Bishop[s]
Some knowledge or experience of parliamentary processes, political parties, think tanks, lobby groups etc.
Some knowledge of the structures of the Church of England
Ability to manage own work programme with minimal direct management, deliver outcomes to deadlines and to work under pressure.
Proven ability in presenting complex data in manageable and informative ways
Benefits
Some flexibility, including home working, is possible
Access to the facilities offered to Lambeth Palace and other NCI staff, observing the responsibilities and protocols which apply to all.