Lay Member
| Posting date: | 01 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £600 per day |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 01 May 2026 |
| Location: | Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA |
| Company: | House of Commons |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 6695_1775037072 |
Summary
The Committee on Standards is responsible for considering any matters relating to the conduct of Members of Parliament, including the Code of Conduct and related rules, and reports from the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards on individual complaints (other than bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct cases). The Committee has seven MP members and seven lay members, who are independent of Parliament and come from a range of professional backgrounds and different parts of the UK.
Personal qualities and life experience, rather than a particular professional background, are key to this role. Candidates will need to demonstrate their ability to contribute to decision-making on sensitive matters, to put forward independent opinions, to review complex information and come to evidence-based judgments, and to work strategically to improve policies and processes.
An understanding of MPs' role and a commitment to parliamentary democracy are essential but candidates will need to demonstrate political impartiality. You cannot apply for this post if you are a former MP or member of the House of Lords or if you have been involved in party political activity, or been a member of or donated to a political party, during the past five years. You will be asked to declare earlier political activity.
This role is an opportunity to contribute personally to the future of our democracy by increasing public trust in Parliament and in MPs' conduct, ensuring that the rules are appropriate and that reported breaches are dealt with robustly but fairly.
The recruitment is being managed by an independent panel on behalf of the House of Commons Commission, with the assistance of the executive search company, GatenbySanderson. The panel will report to the Commission, which will decide which candidates to recommend to the House of Commons for approval.
The selection panel is committed to attracting a diverse range of candidates and would welcome applicants from all backgrounds, communities and regions of the United Kingdom, particularly from groups who are currently under-represented on the Committee.
To apply please visit GatenbySanderson's website.
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