Committee Specialist (Railways Policy)
| Posting date: | 12 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £43,614 to £50,374 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 April 2026 |
| Location: | Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA |
| Company: | House of Commons |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 6613_1773331006 |
Summary
What you'll be doing
Are you a policy-savvy problem-solver who enjoys variety in your work? Join the Transport Select Committee team as a Committee Specialist (Railways Policy) and help scrutinise Government policy and spending on rail. You'll work directly with cross‑party MPs in a fast‑paced environment where today's headlines can become this afternoon's priorities.
You'll lead the Committee's railways portfolio-tracking rail reform, shaping inquiries, identifying expert witnesses, preparing concise briefings and lines of questioning for public hearings, and drafting high‑impact committee reports and correspondence. You'll also support media and public engagement activity and, as a small team that covers the full Department for Transport remit, you may turn your hand to topics from aviation and maritime to EVs and road safety.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across Select Committees and the House of Commons Library, you'll build stakeholder networks, keep the Committee plugged into developments across the rail sector, and help organise evidence sessions, visits and engagement events (potentially including overseas). Structured training, mentoring and on‑the‑job development will support you to thrive.
Why join us?
In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive package of benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave starting at 30 days and increasing to 35 after one year.
- Enrolment in the excellent Civil Service pension scheme, with an average employer contribution of around 27%.
- Flexible working options that help you balance personal and professional commitments, including enhanced parental leave, caring leave and alternative working patterns.
What we're looking for.
- Railways policy knowledge and experience - detailed understanding of rail policy issues and the roles of key organisations in the sector, evidenced by relevant research, practical or scrutiny experience.
- Research and analysis - ability to quickly master unfamiliar subjects using a range of sources and produce clear, evidence‑based advice to tight deadlines.
- Working with colleagues and stakeholders - proven skill in building trusted relationships, using interpersonal and negotiation skills to deliver positive outcomes, and promoting collaboration and inclusion.
- Planning and organisation - confidence prioritising multiple tasks and adapting to changing circumstances to meet deadlines.
- Communication - clear, impartial writing and briefing for non‑specialist audiences; concise, accurate and persuasive outputs.
Information Session:
We will be hosting an online information session so you can find out more about the role and the team. This will take place on the 26th March at 4 pm. To register, please click here. If you are internal, please email the Recruitment Team to be sent the link.
How to Apply:
If you would like to apply for this role, please complete an application form and submit your responses against Criteria 1, 2 and 3.
More information on the application process can be found here: Application process - UK Parliament
Applicants must ensure that anything submitted must be factually accurate. Plagiarism 'can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.' Whilst candidates can make use of AI, they must do it truthfully. Where possible experience stated within the supporting statement should also be visible in the cv part of the application. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications, statements, and CVs; submissions must be truthful and relevant to experience.
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.
Please ensure that you anonymise your application by removing any identifiable factors from your CV or Supporting Statement.
We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.
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