About the job

Job summary

As a Parliamentary Reporter, you’ll transcribe what MPs say in the Westminster Hall chamber and legislative committees, as well as evidence given by expert witnesses to select committees. But it isn’t simply a case of transcription. We specialise in a kind of translation—from spoken to written English. Our reports are substantially verbatim, not word for word. That means you’ll use your judgment to turn the spoken word into clear written English.

We report subjects of interest to everyone across the country—from county lines to climate change, from AI to A&E—so we need a diverse group of people with a wide variety of experience, expertise and interests. We’d like to hear from you, whether you’ve never thought of a job in Parliament or you’ve wanted to work here all your life. 

Don’t worry if you’re not confident in your knowledge of politics or Parliament right now. We pride ourselves on providing Parliamentary Reporters with high quality, on-the-job training in what we do and how Parliament works. Your career with us starts with a training course that leads to a professional qualification accredited by City, University of London, followed by comprehensive on-the-job learning.

Job description

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Using a digital audio recording and notes taken by a colleague, complete accurate reports of five or 10 minutes of debate within strict deadlines to meet Hansard’s production targets (using a typing speed of 60 words per minute, which we will help you to reach by the end of your training period)
• Attend debates in the Westminster Hall Chamber to take clear and accurate notes of what happens, for yourself and colleagues, and to obtain speaking notes and information from MPs and Ministers’ officials
• Follow Hansard guidance on in-house reporting style and parliamentary procedure
• Check the accuracy of all spellings, names and quotations
• Work with other parliamentary reporters and sub-editors to ensure that reports are accurate and consistent

You can find out more about the job on our blog, at https://commonshansard.blog.parliament.uk/

Person specification

Skills and Experience 

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• The ability to understand complex arguments and report them clearly, and to develop a good understanding of politics and Parliament.
• Strong English language skills, including impeccable spelling and an understanding of sentence structure and grammar.
• The ability to work quickly, independently and flexibly when under pressure, and to meet defined deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills, and an ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds as part of a diverse team.
• Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite, and an ability to become proficient quickly in the use of new software systems.

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Next Steps and Additional Information

• Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-5 in the Job Description. 

Alongside the application form, you will need to complete and submit the attached Proofreading Test. This should be uploaded alongside your application via the recruitment portal.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description. 

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

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

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.