Parliamentary and Policy Researcher

The purpose of the Parliamentary and Policy Researcher to the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York is to support the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York in their duties as Members of the House of Lords. The work includes research and information gathering, drafting speeches and questions, managing meetings, appointments and other events on behalf of the Bishop and Archbishop and such other work as they and the Head of Parliamentary Affairs may require from time to time.

About the Department/Role

The Parliamentary and Policy Researcher will be based with the Parliamentary Team. The work of the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York in the House of Lords is guided by their policy and local interests, as well as their status as religious leaders with a national profile. Both have a shared concern for issues of economic, environmental and social justice at home and overseas. In addition the Bishop of London has a particular focus on healthcare provision and health inequalities, in which she is supported partly by a member of the Faith and Public Life team, and partly by the holder of this post.

What you'll be doing

The Parliamentary and Policy Researcher's priorities and tasks will be determined by the Bishop and Archbishop, with whom the postholder will be expected to have frequent direct contact along with their key advisers. In conjunction with their offices, the Head of Parliamentary Affairs will manage, guide and oversee the parliamentary work of the postholder.

The role will involve:

1. Supporting the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York in their work in the House of Lords.
2. Advising on and researching materials for parliamentary speeches and interventions.
3. Monitoring and keeping the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York informed about relevant parliamentary developments and timetables.
4. Liaising with MPs, Peers and their staff, Parliamentary officials and others in and outside the NCIs on behalf of the Bishop and Archbishop.
5. Drafting articles for publication, press notices or social media about the Bishop's and Archbishops' work, in close collaboration with their Communications Officers.
6. Providing research resource for the Archbishop in his provincial role and both he and the Bishop in their dioceses for non-parliamentary work. This may involve researching and drafting for talks, articles and lectures.
7. Assisting 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. Supporting the Head and Deputy Head of Parliamentary Affairs in their wider responsibilities and standing in for them as and when required.
8. Working with the Parliamentary Team to ensure that the Bishop and Archbishop are kept abreast of the wider activities of the Lords Spiritual and the Parliamentary Team.

Key role requirements:

• This is a full-time post which is offered initially for a fixed-term of 12 months.
• 75% of the postholder's working time will be spent in support of the Bishop of London and 25% of the Archbishop of York.
• Base location will be Lambeth Palace, London, SE1 7JU
• Work also expected to take place from Church House, Westminster, SW1P 3AZ; The Old Deanery, London, EC4V 5AA.

Desired Skills and Experience

Essential

Skills/Aptitudes:

* 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 / Experience:

* 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.)

Personal attributes:

* 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

Education:

* Degree level or 2 years' experience in a political or parliamentary environment.

Circumstances:

Willingness and ability to work some unsocial hours when required and to travel to Bishopthorpe and

potentially accompany the Archbishop at events across the Northern Province.

Desirable

Education:

A Level (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, such as politics, theology etc.

Skills/Aptitudes:

* The ability to perform well as part of a team.

* Excellent ICT skills

Knowledge / Experience:

* Knowledge of current trends in politics and the policy areas of the Bishop and Archbishop

* 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