Deputy Principal Clerk
| Posting date: | 14 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £82,000 to £103,425 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 June 2024 |
| Location: | Westminster, London, SW1A 2JR |
| Company: | House of Commons |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 5462_1715680482 |
Summary
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
Select Committee Team
The Select Committee Team comprises the staff of most select committees, the Scrutiny Unit, Committee Online Services, the Select Committee Engagement Team and the Media and Communications Service. The Team provides support and advice for all aspects of the work of select committees.
Chamber & Participation Team
The procedural offices in the Chamber & Participation Team support the business of the House, providing procedural services and advice.
The Role
Deputy Principal Clerks (DPCs) are recruited to band rather than post and successful candidates will join a circulatable pool of Clerks and may be circulated from time to time between the Select Committee Team and the Chamber and Participation Team.
Clerk of a select committee (Scrutiny team leader), leading the staff team (typically of 5-9 people), supporting Members in scrutinising the Government's performance in a particular policy area, and reporting their findings and recommendations to the House.
A senior member of staff (and sometimes acting Head of Office) in one of the procedural offices under the Chamber and Participation Team giving advice on parliamentary practice and procedure to Members. In that capacity you may on occasion be the most senior member of the staff of the procedural office available, and responsible-perhaps under considerable time or political pressure-for giving sound procedural advice and support to Members, colleagues and others in and outside the House, such as Parliamentary Counsel or Government departments.
Some of the responsibilities for this role include:
- Acting with autonomy in all aspects of the management of the Committee and relations with its Members, giving effect to the collective decisions of the Committee;
- Delivering the Committee's programme of inquiries and other activities;
- Resource management of the Committee's support, leading a team of staff
- Giving authoritative procedural and policy advice to the Chair and Members, and advice on select committee practice to witnesses and other stakeholders;
Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:
- Demonstrable knowledge of, and experience of providing advice and guidance on, the practices and procedures of the House of Commons
- Understanding of Parliamentary Privilege and the constitutional relationships between Parliament and the executive, judiciary, devolved administrations and other public bodies.
- Proven understanding and awareness of the political and legal context in which the House and its committees work, with awareness of any associated risks.
- Demonstrable experience of working effectively in a complex political environment.
- Sound judgement and analytical skills, with the ability to devise pragmatic solutions to complex problems.
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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