Adviser to the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee (SLSC)

We are looking for an Adviser to support the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee (SLSC). Based in the House of Lords Legislation Office in the Palace of Westminster, you will work alongside two other Advisers, providing advice to the SLSC on the policy aspects of secondary legislation (statutory instruments) covering the whole range of government policy areas.

Secondary legislation provides an important mechanism by which departments implement the fine detail of government policy, often with significant real-world impacts. This vacancy presents an exciting opportunity to get involved in the scrutiny of that legislation. Focusing on the policy aspects of secondary legislation, the SLSC complements the legal scrutiny of the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments. Together, the two Committees play a crucial role in supporting the House in its scrutiny of secondary legislation.

The SLSC meets weekly (when the House of Lords is sitting) so the work is often fast paced and always very varied.

You will be responsible for:

• Examining some of the wide range of statutory instruments laid before Parliament and identifying those that are significant in terms of policy impact or have weaknesses in their policy formulation process.
• Assessing the explanatory materials accompanying an instrument (for example, the Explanatory Memorandum or Impact Assessment) and deciding whether they provide a full account or whether departments should be pressed to provide more information.
• Explaining your findings about the instrument and explanatory materials, both in writing and orally, at the weekly meetings of the SLSC, and finalising the text of the Committee’s report for publication after a meeting.
• From time to time, supporting thematic inquiries relating to the scrutiny of secondary legislation.
• Undertaking outreach activities relating to the work of the SLSC.

If this sounds like something you would like to hear more about, please apply below.

To fulfil the necessary criteria, you will have:

• A good understanding of the working of government and of the role of Parliament, and of the interrelationship between the two institutions. 
• Sound judgment and a good understanding of what it means to act with professionalism and impartiality, particularly in the context of a politically charged environment.
• The ability to assimilate, understand and interrogate complex information quickly, and to develop evidence-based recommendations.
• The ability to think on your feet and respond appropriately to challenge to those recommendations by members of the Committee. 
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills to explain complicated issues clearly and concisely to the Committee and other audiences.
• The ability to communicate with a wide range of contacts, particularly Committee members, but also other members of the House, witnesses, departmental officials, and representatives of external interests. 
• Strong organisational skills and an ability to take responsibility for prioritising your work.
• Resilience under pressure and an ability to work to tight deadlines.
• The ability to maintain effective and respectful working relationships with members of the Committee, colleagues, and departmental officials.

The job description provides full details about the role and what we are looking for.

What you will get in return:

• 30 days annual leave (increasing to 35 after one year’s service).
• Discounts from well-known brands and retailers.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.
• The opportunity to witness history in the making!

The work we do is vital to House of Lords, and you will be a pivotal member in the team strengthening the work of the House. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK parliament. It is independent from and complements the work of the House of Commons to:

• Make laws.
• Check and challenge the actions of the government through questions and debates.
• Investigate public policy and provide a forum of independent expertise.

Please complete your online application by 23:55 on Sunday 21st April 2024.

Job offers are standardly offered at the minimum of the salary range.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact HLRecruitment@parliament.uk.

The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of their age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender/sex, gender reassignment/trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. The Administration will also consider flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. For this role we particularly welcome applications from groups which are currently underrepresented within the team, including applications from candidates from Black, Asian and ethnic minority and candidates with disabilities.