Lord Hanningfield is a non-aligned member of the House of Lords.

In 2011, he was convicted around his parliamentary expenses and sentenced to nine months imprisonment, serving just over two. Previously he was Leader of Essex County Council and a front bench spokesman for the Conservative Party.

Lord Hanningfield is keen to use his recent experiences and position in the House of Lords to highlight the need for penal reform and a greater understanding and acceptance of mental health issues. To do this he is looking for an exceptional individual to assist him.

This is a unique position and requires someone with astute political, diplomatic and communication skills with experience of working in a political environment.

Responsibilities:

• Providing high-quality parliamentary support including preparing briefings, speeches, amendments and parliamentary questions
• Liaison with external interest groups and individuals
• Identifying and securing new opportunities to highlight and promote issues around penal reform and mental illness and researching latest developments and policy thinking in these areas
• Drafting articles in support of the above issues
• Liaison with the media
• Liaison with other groups and individuals within parliament including other Peers, MPs, Select Committees and APPGs
• Monitoring incoming correspondence, ensuring that each item receives a prompt response
• Managing Lord Hanningfield’s diary

Applicants should possess:

• A flexible approach to work including a willingness to work evenings when the House is sitting
• A keen intellect and understanding of public policy
• A thorough understanding of parliamentary procedure
• Awareness of mental health and justice issues
• Understanding and application of communications tools and channels
• University degree or equivalent

Previous experience:

• Experience of working in a political environment
• Experience of public policy development
• Previous media relations experience including running high-profile campaigns that have successfully changed public perceptions or policy