Education and Engagement Assistant

House of Commons

The House of Commons a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Chamber and Participation Team (CPT) brings together all the disciplines that support the House of Commons Chamber within one clear structure. The procedural offices that facilitate the core function of legislating, the operational teams who focus on ensuring that the Chamber runs effectively and efficiently, and the public-facing teams who promote Parliament’s role and seek to engage citizens across the UK with parliamentary business.

The Education and Engagement Assistant role sits within the Education and Engagement Team who deliver face-to-face and online educational programmes and learning resources for schools, teachers, home educators and school-age children across the UK

As part of the Chamber and Participation Team (CPT), we work collaboratively to open up Parliament, to give the public a voice and to shape Parliament in the interests of the public. We reach out to communities and audiences across the UK, promoting an understanding of the role and relevance of both Houses, inspiring people to get involved and empowering people to have a voice.

The Role

Parliament’s Education Centre is a welcoming and inspiring destination for young people and teachers; somewhere that creates a unique learning experience, distinct from the school classroom environment, which generates a sense of anticipation in groups entering the space and from which groups depart feeling inspired and excited about their Parliament.

The Education and Engagement assistant responsibility will be to deliver high quality and engaging face to face and virtual tours and workshops of the Palace of Westminster across the formal learning age range for all UK schools, supporting subjects such as Citizenship, History and Government and Politics (or their equivalent). The postholder will also support the operations of the Education Centre and the work of the Education and Engagement Service as a whole, including bookings and general administration.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• To warmly welcome visiting school groups to Parliament, this includes briefing groups on arrival, informing them of important security and health and safety information
• To deliver on-site and online tours and workshops of the Palace of Westminster to groups of young people aged 5-18 and their accompanying adults
• To facilitate short introductions to a 15 minute ‘Story of Parliament’ film in the Education Centre immersive space which introduces school visitors to the Palace of Westminster, Parliament and democracy
• To work alongside security and other staff following agreed procedures for efficient access and visitor flow; visitor comfort and safety; and the security of the building.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to speak clearly and impartially
• Ability to deliver/present educational content to an audience in an engaging and interactive manner
• Ability to work successfully within a team, whilst upholding the values of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience of delivering excellent customer service in a pressurised visitor environment and prioritise tasks
• An understanding of why school visits to Parliament are important

Next Steps and Additional Information

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 2, 3 & 4 in the Job Description.

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.