Parliamentary and Policy Researcher

Role Overview

• 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.