Media and Communications Officer (Select Committees)

House of Commons

The House of Commons is 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 

You will be working in the Select Committee Team (SCT), supporting the work of the House of Common’s Select Committees. Select Committees are cross-party committees of MPs who examine government policy and spending. You can find out more about who Select Committees are and what they do here. The post is part of a central team of 18 media and communications staff which provides a specialist service for around 30 select committees. Each Committee also has a dedicated team, usually of between four and seven people.

The Role 

Each Media and Communications Officer works with Senior Media and Communications Officers to provide strategic advice, handling and support for a group of select committees, to deliver the best possible media coverage in print, broadcast and digital media, including mainstream national, regional and local news; trade, consumer and social, and to assist in promoting and developing the work of committees overall.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Assist in advising committees on media and communications (print, broadcast, digital, social).
• Take responsibility for developing and implementing media and communications strategies for specific committee inquiries from call for evidence through to public evidence sessions, report publication and any campaign follow up work, under the guidance of the committee’s Senior Media and Communications Officer.
• Support the drafting and/or editing of media releases, features, comment pieces, statements, quotes, Q & As, interviews, speeches and advise on other material for use in print, broadcast and digital media.
• Attend evidence sessions and other events to report back on issues likely to be of interest to media.
• Organise interviews for Chairs.

Skills and Experience 

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as well as proven experience from roles in external media and communications is essential. Social media experience is desirable.

• Ability to absorb subject matter swiftly and thoroughly, and to convey it accurately and clearly.

• Flexible approach to work and a strong ability to manage workload with conflicting and time-critical demands.

Next Steps and Additional Information

• Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-5 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.

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