This role will lead communication with the MPs’ for Sunderland Central & Cramlington and Killingworth constituents about policy matters. The post holder will also carry out parliamentary research to support the MPs as required.

Working arrangements

This is a full-time role based in Westminster. You will have two separate contracts with Lewis and Emma as follows:

0.6 WTE for Lewis Atkinson MP

0.4 WTE for Emma Foody MP

Hours within working days can be flexible

We work as one team between our Westminster and Constituency offices. The successful candidate will not only work closely with Lewis’ Senior Parliamentary Assistant (also based in Westminster) but also build understanding with Lewis and Emma’s constituency-based staff. Occasional travel to Sunderland and Cramlington is expected.

Key responsibilities:

Maintain up to date knowledge of Government policy and legislative proposals and use this to provide advice to the MPs and other team members

Oversight and operation of the constituent policy correspondence procedure, including:

Reviewing policy correspondence from constituents and applying politically-aware judgement to handling;

Drafting policy correspondence to constituents in line with MP’s position and guidance;

Production of statistics and analysis about the volume and nature of issues raised by constituents.

Independently undertake research on relevant subjects as directed and effectively seek and use research carried out by others, for example the House of Commons Library or external specialist groups;

Prepare parliamentary questions, briefings, speeches and social media/blog posts about policy matters

Advise the MP’s on potential questions, motions and debates to be held in Parliament and identify opportunities to further the MP’s policy priorities

Person specification:

Knowledge and interest in current Government policy and legislative proposals

Excellent writing skills, including the ability summarise complex policy positions for non-expert audiences

Political awareness and anticipation – both nationally and in relation to Sunderland / Cramlington & Killingworth

Self-organised with a focus on producing outputs within required timescales

The ability to quickly pick-up key points of detail and debate in new subject areas