Public Bills Officer City of Westminster, England
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About the job
Job summary
Background
The Public Bill Office (PBO), as part of the House of Lords Legislation Office, supports the House’s scrutiny of public bills (proposed laws), and is closely involved with much of the House’s work in the Chamber and Grand Committee. We are a friendly team based in the historic Palace of Westminster.
The House’s legislative scrutiny work depends on the timely production of accurate documents, including the bills that the House is considering and lists of amendments (proposed changes to those bills). The team is also responsible for the final text of the Acts (agreed laws) that Parliament passes.
The twelve staff of the PBO (including the Clerk of Legislation) work closely as a team. As part of the team, you will be closely involved with several main functions of the office, most notably the production of written briefs for Ministers, Members, the Lord Speaker and his deputies. You will also be closely involved in the checking and inputting of amendments put forward by Members. In addition you will be part of the office’s ‘front of house’ services dealing with incoming queries via email and phone, and in person when onsite.
This is a fascinating opportunity to learn first-hand about the legislative process and contribute at its exciting and fast-moving centre. The team works on all bills together, with exposure to a variety of policy areas and Members across the House. We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join the team, who will enjoy helping to support this important work. You will be trained to become a competent user of our amendment processing and document production software systems, though no prior experience of these systems or of legislation is needed. We work in close collaboration to make sure we get things right and you will be well supported, but your contribution will be impactful and you can make the role your own.
Job description
Main objective
To play a key role in supporting the Office in providing an effective service to the House in its scrutiny of legislation.
The role requires a strong team player, with the ability to represent the Office in a busy, frontline location. It requires strong communication skills and a methodical approach, combined with a high level of flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities in day-to-day operations. Over time, you will be expected to become familiar with the House’s rules in order to help the Office provide assistance and guidance to Members.
Person specification
The behaviors, knowledge, skills and experience required for the post are outlined below. Each element specifically referenced below will be assessed in the examples you provide in your application form. Should you be shortlisted these areas will be assessed in more depth at interview and possibly by a proofreading test.
In addition, we are looking for the following specific competencies:
- Communication skills: The ability to effectively triage and handle enquiries, both orally and in writing.
- Attention to detail while delivering at pace: Strong proofreading skills and a methodical attention to detail, together with the ability to work efficiently under pressure and to tight deadlines while still achieving outcomes.
- Strong IT skills including the ability to use Microsoft applications and to becoming competent in using our document production software systems (with full training and support).
- Collaboration and teamworking: Flexibility and resilience, team working skills.
Benefits
Details of our employee benefits can be found at https://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/offices/lords/lordshro/employee-benefits/
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 a range of flexible working options, where possible.
- A suite of learning and development opportunities.
- Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Next Steps
If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application form, demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the essential competencies on the job description.
More information on the role, the full list of duties/responsibilities and criteria can be found on the job description.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
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Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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