Parliamentary Reporter

6
B2
£33,000 per annum, pro rata for 38 weeks
Fixed Term
Fixed-term for six months with the possibility of permanency on successful completion of training.
Term-time
Starting at 30 days per annum, pro-rata

30th January 2023 at 15:00

Interview dates expected to take place week commencing 10/02/2023

Introduction

The Official Report, also known as Hansard, is the written record of parliamentary debates held in the Commons Chamber, Westminster Hall and Legislative Committees. We also provide transcripts of Select Committee meetings. We work to tight deadlines to ensure that MPs’ speeches are published on our website within as little as three hours.

 

The Role

As a parliamentary reporter, working to tight deadlines, you will transcribe what MPs say in the Westminster Hall Chamber and in Committees, as well as evidence given by expert witnesses to Select Committees. While our reports are mostly verbatim, you will use your judgment to turn the spoken word into clear written English.

You will be provided with high-quality on-the-job training in what we do and how Parliament works in a course accredited by City, University of London. If you’d like to know more about what it’s like to work for Hansard, take a look at our blog: https://commonshansard.blog.parliament.uk

Some key responsibilities include;

  • Using a digital audio recording and notes taken by a colleague, complete accurate reports of five or 10 minutes of debate within strict deadlines to meet Hansard’s production targets (using a typing speed of 60 words per minute, which we will help you to reach by the end of your training period)
  • Attend debates in the Westminster Hall Chamber to take clear and accurate notes of what happens, for yourself and colleagues, and to obtain speaking notes and information from MPs and Ministers’ officials.
  • Follow Hansard guidance on in-house reporting style and parliamentary procedure
  • Check the accuracy of all spellings, names and quotations
  • Work with other parliamentary reporters and sub-editors to ensure that reports are accurate and consistent

 

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will have the following skills/experience:

  • The ability to understand complex arguments and report them clearly, and to develop a good understanding of politics and Parliament.
  • Strong English language skills, including impeccable spelling and an understanding of sentence structure and grammar.
  • The ability to work quickly, independently and flexibly when under pressure, and to meet defined deadlines.
  • Good interpersonal skills, and an ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds, upholding our values of inclusion, diversity and acceptance.
  • Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite, and able to become proficient quickly in the use of new software systems.

 

Why Join

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 scheme.
  • Access to training and development.
  • Flexible working.
  • Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Next Steps

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria’s 1-5 in the Job Description.

 

Additional information

Please find attached a proofreading test. We ask that you complete the test and submit it along with your application form on our recruitment portal.

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

This Vacancy is closed to applications.