A new entry-level role has been created in the parliamentary office of Josh Newbury, the MP for Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. Josh is looking for a Parliamentary Assistant to work 24 hours a week, based in his Westminster office with some hybrid working.

In the buzz of Parliament, no two weeks in this role will look the same as the Parliamentary Assistant will support Josh’s Senior Researcher, who will act as their supervisor, with a wide range of tasks. At the heart of the role will be helping Josh to ensure the voices of his constituents are heard in Parliament by drafting speech notes, parliamentary questions, and debate applications. Diary management will also be key as well as attending events such as briefings, drop-ins and receptions on Josh’s behalf when he is unable to. The Parliamentary Assistant will need to proactive as well as reactive by monitoring upcoming parliamentary business, legislation and current issues to ensure Josh is well briefed and focused on constituents’ priorities.

The Parliamentary Assistant will also take the lead on Josh’s work with All-Party Parliamentary Groups, particularly those who he chairs or holds an officer position on. The support provided in this capacity may include preparing agendas, minutes and meeting papers, booking meeting rooms, building and managing mailing lists, drafting and sending invitations and stakeholder communications, and organising visits to Parliament for some stakeholders. The role holder may also, when trained and confident, give guided tours to constituents visiting Parliament.

The Parliamentary Assistant will also carry out some ad hoc administrative tasks in the parliamentary office under the supervision of the Senior Researcher. They will also provide some support to other members of the team with policy-related casework and with communications, such as clipping Josh’s speeches, taking photographs or videos at events in Parliament, and preparing Josh for media interviews.

If you are looking for a varied and exciting position that will enable you to build your professional experience in Westminster, this role may be perfect for you. Josh would welcome interest from applicants across the spectrum of experience; matching the core skills of the role is far more important than qualifications.