At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the guidance and learning for the Select Committee Team, ensuring effective training and development.
- Company: Join the House of Commons, a vital part of UK democracy, supporting select committees.
- Benefits: Flexible working options available, including full-time, part-time, and job share.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staff development and contribute to meaningful government scrutiny.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and analytical skills required; experience in learning and development is a plus.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role with potential for extension or permanence.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 64800 ÂŁ per year.
Head of Guidance and Learning: Select Committee Team
Positions: 1
Band / Grade: A1
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration: 6 months (possibility of extension or permanence)
Working Pattern: Full Time, Full Time/Job Share, Part Time
This role is open to House of Commons and Joint Departments employees only.
Introduction
The Select Committee Team (SCT) supports the work of most of the House’s Select Committees. Select committees are cross-party committees of MPs who examine government policy and spending. You can find out what select committees are and what they do by following this link.
As Select Committee Team Head of Guidance and Learning, you will work in the Scrutiny Unit. The Scrutiny Unit is a team of around 25 people that provides specialist support and staff development to all select committee teams. The Unit has four main work streams: legislation, finance, policy, and guidance and learning. You will work with colleagues to lead the guidance and learning strand of the Unit’s work.
The Role
As Head of Guidance and Learning, you will deputise for the Director of Select Committee Scrutiny and Analysis on matters relating to the strategic direction, design, implementation, and evaluation of learning and development for the Select Committee Team.
You will design and maintain robust processes to ensure institutional knowledge is captured, retained, and shared. You will work with the SCT Senior Leadership Team to ensure the development of our people is at the heart of what we do, using consultation, data, and your experience to offer quality learning to SCT staff.
You will also be SCT’s lead for the training offer to select committee Members, including liaising with external providers and the People and Culture Team and advising the Director of Select Committee Scrutiny and Analysis on bids for such training.
Some of the responsibilities for this role include:
- Planning and delivery of specialist enhanced learning provision and programmes as part of the implementation of proposals relating to career pathways for the Policy, Research and Analysis Community (PRAC), including, but not limited to, the development of external secondment and attachment opportunities and supporting Hubs to develop subject-specific learning programmes.
- Strategic leadership and oversight of training programmes and guidance ensuring complex messaging is presented in an accessible way.
- Lead on SCT’s offer of professional development to Members and extending it to their staff where appropriate. Liaise with L&D about how central contracts impact on this work.
- Working on a continual basis on a “core curriculum” for PRAC staff, including developing and implementing proposals for structured and transparent short-term attachments.
Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:
- Managing & Leading People: Able to lead colleagues collaboratively and inclusively in a team or similar setting by motivating colleagues to ensure they operate in a collaborative and effective way. You should also be able to proactively evaluate and improve performance and improve diversity or inclusion outcomes.
- Strategic Direction of SCT Learning & Development: A good understanding of the political and operational context in which staff of the Select Committee Team operate, and the skills needed to deliver high-quality, effective select committee scrutiny work. Able to identify, implement, communicate, and evaluate the essential features of a learning and development strategy to support skill development, and to anticipate future challenges for SCT learning and development.
- Analysis & Decision-Making: A high level of analytical skills, able to assess a range of sources and/or precedents alongside priorities, risks, and opportunities to devise pragmatic solutions to complex problems.
- Stakeholder Management: Able to build and maintain trusted relationships with key internal and external stakeholders at all levels by using influencing and interpersonal skills to secure support from a variety of stakeholders with differing objectives. You should appropriately deliver difficult messages to senior stakeholders.
- Managing Resources & Service Delivery: Able to plan and organise the work of colleagues to deliver high-quality services by translating strategic aims into practical objectives, delivering these within available time and being courageous by evaluating outcomes, anticipating future needs, and innovating to improve services.
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, 2, and 3 in the Job Description.
As part of the selection process, you may be asked to complete a test or prepare a presentation. Further information will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
For more information about the role, or for an informal chat, please contact Sophie Nicolaou at .
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Head of Guidance and Learning: Select Committee Team employer: Houston Baptist University
Contact Detail:
Houston Baptist University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Guidance and Learning: Select Committee Team
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the workings of select committees and their role in scrutinizing government policy. Understanding the political landscape and how select committees operate will give you a significant advantage during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former members of the Select Committee Team. Engaging with them can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable for your application and interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by showcasing examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlighting your ability to motivate and collaborate with colleagues will resonate well with the selection panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for learning and development within the Select Committee Team. Think about innovative training programs or initiatives you could propose that align with the team's goals and enhance staff capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Guidance and Learning: Select Committee Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Guidance and Learning position. Familiarize yourself with the Select Committee Team's work and how it fits within the House of Commons.
Tailor Your Application: When writing your application, specifically address criteria 1, 2, and 3 mentioned in the job description. Use examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in managing people, strategic direction, and stakeholder management.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any previous experience you have in learning and development, particularly in a political or governmental context. Showcase your ability to lead teams and develop training programs that align with organizational goals.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread and edit your documents. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and free of errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Houston Baptist University
✨Understand the Political Context
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the political and operational context in which the Select Committee Team operates. Familiarize yourself with recent government policies and spending reviews, as this knowledge will be crucial during your interview.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing and leading teams. Highlight specific examples where you've motivated colleagues and improved performance, especially in collaborative settings. This will show that you can lead inclusively and effectively.
✨Showcase Analytical Abilities
Expect questions that assess your analytical skills. Prepare to discuss how you've tackled complex problems in the past, including the methods you used to evaluate risks and opportunities. Providing concrete examples will strengthen your case.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in stakeholder management. Think of instances where you've built trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and be ready to explain how you navigated difficult conversations with senior figures.