Research Analyst (Mental Health)

The Team

The House of Commons Library research service provides politically impartial briefings to MPs of all parties and their staff. We operate a confidential briefing request service and publish briefing papers and other online information. We are asked questions on, and write about, the most topical issues of the day on a diverse range of subjects.

The House of Commons Library is committed to increasing diversity and to maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome and encourage applications from underrepresented groups.  You can find out more about our values, our people and how we recruit people on the Work with us  section of our website.

The Role

We have a fixed-term part-time vacancy in the Social Policy Section for a mental health specialist to cover a period of maternity leave.

The Social Policy Section covers health services, housing, education social security and social services. It is a busy section; specialists are grouped into a number of smaller ‘hubs’ with a focus on collaborative work. The successful applicant will work with four other members of the health and social care ‘hub’ and will bring in-depth knowledge/expertise in mental health policy and law.

 You will be required using your pre-existing knowledge and strong research skills to:

• Answer individual MPs’ questions orally and in writing, on mental health policy/law.
• Draft and keep up to date a range of published briefing products. This will include briefing papers and shorter online articles. Examples of our briefing products, including shorter Insights and constituency casework articles, can be found on the Library’s website 
• Provide ad hoc policy advice to colleagues across Parliament (e.g. in select committees and the House of Lords Library)

The Person

To be successful in this role you will have the following skills/experience:

• Have a relevant degree, postgraduate or professional qualification and/or  demonstrable significant relevant work experience and experience of policy analysis.

• Experience of using your knowledge of mental health law and policy to answer questions and draft papers to meet customer needs. Able collate complex, technical material and analyse, interpret, and present it clearly for a specified purpose/audience. Ability to absorb complex and technical subject matter quickly.
• Able to explain complex information clearly, succinctly, and with authority, while maintaining strict political impartiality.
• Experience of planning and organising your workload to meet changing short, medium and long-term demands and deadlines.