Gavin Barwell, Conservative Member of Parliament for Croydon Central, is seeking to appoint a Parliamentary Assistant to be based in Westminster. The ideal candidate will be highly organised and able to manage many competing priorities. They will be self-motivated, conscientious and be able to work well under pressure. Excellent writing and research skills are essential and previous experience working in Parliament or politics is desirable.

Key responsibilities:

• Sole management of the Westminster office including:

- managing the Member’s Diary commitments, with overall control of Constituency commitments;

- ensuring the operation of the office is within the allocated budget and the Member is kept informed of all financial matters;

- ensuring a full range of secretarial and administrative support, including: telephone and visitor enquiries, responding to email and letters, efficient data and file management;

- overseeing the budget for the office including Expenditure under the MP’s Expenses Scheme, monitoring office expenditure, paying bills and invoices; providing forecast of spend and estimates when required; keeping records of all transactions; and

- ensuring the office is fully equipped and office supplies are maintained.

• Respond effectively, courteously and independently to routine correspondence and enquiries from constituents, the media, lobbyists and pressure groups.
• Undertake research, usually from secondary sources, on complex and difficult subjects.
• Analyse and evaluate research and interpret data ensuring key issues are identified.
• Prepare and present results both orally and in writing e.g. for parliamentary questions, briefing notes for committees, articles and press releases.
• Provide briefings and potential questions to the Member and motions to be put to the house.
• Monitor bills, Early Day Motions, legislation, Hansard, debates, etc.
• Monitor coverage in the media, and liaise with the media when necessary.
• Advise and guide the Member on policy issues.
• Maintain, update and develop knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Ensure records are kept, with details of each issue by adhering to the Data Protection Act principles and respect the confidentiality of data at all times.
• Communicate effectively with both internal and external contacts.
• Maintain parts of the website.
• Occasional travel to the constituency is required.
• Competent use of IT including Microsoft Office package, email and internet to: draft correspondence and reports; set up and maintain spreadsheets and undertake research.