Intern Speaker's Internship Scheme

House of Commons 

The House of Commons 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. 

Introduction  

The Speaker's House Placement scheme is run in collaboration with the Patchwork Foundation, a charity which promotes the engagement of young people from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in political and democratic institutions. 

The Speaker’s Parliamentary Placement Scheme is a 12-month internship (beginning late September / early October 2023) run in partnership with the Patchwork Foundation and Parliament. Interns will work across rotations in Parliament, including working on a House of Commons team, working with an MP in government and working with an MP in opposition. We’re looking for people who are passionate about politics and looking to pursue a career in the field, but may find it harder to access opportunities, connections, or experiences. Throughout the placement, Patchwork will provide monthly personal development days alongside one-to-one mentoring support.

The Role  

You will assist with the smooth running of teams supporting Chamber and Committee business in the House of Commons as well as people come to Parliament for a variety of reasons. In this varied role, you will help provide valuable administration support, also assisting with project management and research/analysis. You will be working with all members of the team and a variety of stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to train and develop your understanding of how the House of Commons Chamber and Select Committees operate. 

In addition, you will work with a Member of Parliament (MP) in their offices, usually within a small team that may consist of more than three people. 

Duties will vary depending on the MP’s office and will revolve around general office administration. (Please note the list is not exhaustive).

Skills and Experience  

The successful candidate will have the following skills/experience:

• Previous experience of work either through volunteering, paid part-time or full-time or temporary work. This does not have to be related to politics.
• Good communication, interpersonal and team-working skills: able to work and contribute effectively, build and maintain effective relationships with, and relate to, people at all levels and from diverse backgrounds, adopting a flexible approach.
• A willingness and ability to work in different contexts and settings, and able to deal with frequent changes to plans. Ability to prioritise with effectively.
• Tact and discretion, with the ability to deal with all types of information confidentially and sensitively. Ability to support and work within the framework of House values: Trusted, Inclusive, Collaborative, Courageous
• The ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative information from a range of sources to make evidence-based proposals and timely decisions.
• A passion for giving back, making a difference, and acting as a role model for the internship

Next Steps and Additional Information

Please click here  to submit your application. 

Contact Details

Applications will close Tuesday 11th April

View Job Description: Speaker’s Internship Scheme JD

Any questions please contact internships@patchworkfoundation.org.uk