Senior Researcher (prisons and probation)

The postholder will work in the Home Affairs Section, which is made up of 11 researchers, in addition to the section head. It is a busy but supportive team to work in.
The core work of the role will involve providing briefings for MPs and their staff on prisons, probation, parole and sentencing law and policy. Alongside briefing on these core areas, the postholder will be expected to cover other related areas of criminal justice policy, including criminal records, miscarriages of justice and youth justice.
The work is often fast paced as we respond to the changing needs of MPs and the demands placed on them. A lot of the team’s work involves helping MPs’ staff with constituency casework and the impact of national policy on constituents.
Some of the responsibilities for this role include:
+ Research and briefing work on prisons, probation and sentencing law and policy within the Commons Library, including:
o Providing accurate, impartial, clear, fit-for-purpose written and oral briefings on legislation and topical issues on relevant subjects, in response to specific enquiries from Members and their staff.
o Preparing and publishing new briefing papers as required (e.g., on topical issues, in advance of second reading and report stages of major bills, and on matters of interest to Parliament) and updating them as appropriate.
+ Supporting the broader work of the Home Affairs Section, which may include research work on any of the subjects covered by the team.
+ Maintaining an excellent current awareness, level of knowledge and range of contacts on specialist subjects, and a broad current awareness of all subjects dealt with by the section., Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.
Information Sessions
As part of the process, we will be running virtual information sessions on MS Teams for you to find out more about this role and working at Parliament.
These sessions will be on:
+ Friday 31 May 2024 at 3:30 – 4:15pm
If you select this slot, please send an email to pearseg@parliament.uk by 9am on Friday 31 May confirming your slot and you will be added to the invite.
+ Tuesday 4 June 2024 at 10:00 – 10:45am
If you select this slot, please send an email to pearseg@parliament.uk by 9am on Tuesday 4 June, confirming your slot and you will be added to the invite.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

+ You have excellent knowledge and understanding of prisons, probation and sentencing policy and law. You have a good knowledge of current affairs and UK public policy.
+ You are able to absorb complex, technical material, relevant to a subject quickly, and can analyse, interpret and present it clearly and accurately for a non-specialist.
+ You have the ability to explain complex information clearly and succinctly using your excellent written and oral communication skills.
+ You plan, prioritise and organise your workload to meet deadlines, and other competing demands.
+ You work effectively as part of a team, and build and maintain working relationships with a wide range of people.

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.
Introduction
The Research and Information team delivers research, information and other services for Members, their staff, House staff and the public. Research and information services aimed primarily at Members and their staff are provided under the House of Commons Library brand. Research services are provided by eight research sections, each responsible for research services in broad subject groupings.
The Home Affairs Section, in which this post is based, provides briefing on topics relating mainly to the work of the Ministry of Justice, Home Office and Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, including prisons, policing and criminal justice; immigration; civil law; national security; media; equality and human rights. We are looking for a Senior Researcher to join our team, leading on prisons and probation. You can see some examples of our published prison briefings on our website.

Alongside your salary of £56,180, House of Commons contributes £15,168 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
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.