Senior Researcher (Corporate and Finance)

House of Commons

The House of Commons a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Research and Information team delivers research, information and other services for Members, their staff, House staff and the public.

Research and information services aimed primarily at MPs and their staff are provided under the House of Commons Library brand. Research services are provided by eight sections, each responsible for research services in broad subject groupings. This role is based in the Business and Transport Section which provides briefing on transport, pensions, taxation, financial systems and institutions, corporate matters, and employment.

The Role

The postholder will provide briefing for MPs and their staff on UK finance and company policy and law alongside one other senior researcher. The postholder would be expected to specialise in company law and corporate governance, insolvency, company information and accounts as well as providing wider support on the finance and business portfolio which includes the UK financial system and institutions, consumer finance, commercial property, competition, insurance, business support and information, and consumer financial services. Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Research and briefing work on finance and corporate policy and regulation within the Commons Library
• Supporting the broader work of the Business and Transport Section which may include research work on any of the subjects covered by the team.
• Maintaining good current awareness, level of knowledge and range of contacts on specialist subjects, and a broad current awareness of all subjects dealt with by the section. This is supported by a Research Librarian.
• Providing advice and assistance to House of Commons and House of Lords staff, including committees, and to the staff of other Parliaments and institutions

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• You have excellent knowledge and understanding of company law, policy and company information AND/OR of the UK financial system, institutions and financial regulation. You have a good knowledge of current affairs and UK public policy.
• You are able to absorb complex, technical material, relevant to a subject quickly, and can analyse, interpret and present it clearly and accurately for a non-specialist. You have experience of using reliable, accurate and relevant information sources and research tools with the ability to assess their value using sound judgement.
• You have the ability to explain complex information clearly and succinctly using your excellent written and oral communication skills. You can communicate demonstrating strict political impartiality and authority, and in line with the needs of the audience.
• You can deal with a changing portfolio of work or cover for colleagues. You plan, prioritise and organise your workload to meet deadlines, and other competing demands. You maintain high quality standards whilst working under pressure.
• You work effectively as part of a team, and build and maintain working relationships with a wide range of people. You share skills, knowledge and learning with colleagues, with the ability to informally coach others and you can uphold the principles of equality, diversity, inclusion at all times.

Next Steps and Additional Information

Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against Criteria 1, 2 and 3 in the Job Description.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Please note that you will be asked to complete a written test as part of this selection process. This will help us assess your research and analytical skills and communication skills (Criteria 2 and 3). The written test will last 1.5 hours and is expected to take place during the week commencing 14 October. Please note this may be subject to change. We will provide further information to shortlisted candidates in due course.

We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.

Information Sessions

As part of the process, we will be running informal virtual information sessions on MS Teams for you to find out more about this role.

These sessions will be on:

• Tuesday 24 September 2024 at 13:00-14:00 - If you select this slot, please send an email to to register your interest and you will added to the MS Teams invite.
• Monday 30th September 2024 at 12:00-13:00 - If you select this slot, please send an email to to register your interest and you will added to the MS Teams invite.

Contact Details

For more information about the role, or for an informal chat, please contact Sophie Nicolaou, who can assist.