Big Issue Group is looking for a highly motivated and organised Parliamentary Assistant & Researcher to support Lord John Bird. This varied role will help the office run smoothly, identify parliamentary opportunities and connect people, ideas and activity that advance our mission to unlock social and economic opportunity.
In this role, you will:
- Monitor parliamentary opportunities and help secure debates, interventions and oral questions.
- Draft clear briefings, parliamentary questions and focused research.
- Manage diaries, correspondence, travel, meetings and parliamentary events.
- Accompany Lord Bird to meetings and events, capturing decisions and actions.
- Work closely with colleagues across the Big Issue Group to support campaigns and wider opportunities.
About you
You will understand political advocacy and parliamentary processes, communicate confidently in writing and in person, and build strong relationships across party and organisational boundaries. You will be proactive, adaptable and comfortable managing changing priorities while delivering to deadlines.
If you are excited by the opportunity to combine parliamentary work, research and practical coordination in support of the Big Issue’s social mission, we would love to hear from you.
Full details of the role including key responsibilities and required skills and experience are available in the Job Description.
Salary and Benefits offered
- Salary – £27,480 per annum
- Incremental holiday entitlement starting at 28 days per year plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff) plus paid leave to care for a sick child or grandchild and a sick or elderly relation
- Company Sick Pay
- Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Training and development opportunities including an open learning library and management training schemes
- Health benefits include life cover, a health cash plan scheme which provides access to counselling and a range of therapies
- Access to Blue Light Card benefits scheme.
- Please note that we reserve the right to review and amend our staff benefits and they do not form part of any contract of employment
Workplace details
This is a fixed-term contract, full-time role based in London, with time in Lord Bird's Parliamentary Office, Big Issue Head Office in Finsbury Park and hybrid.
Closing date – 16 October 2026 (11:59am) - Shortlisting may take place before the advertised closing date, so please apply asap. Interviews will be carried out via Microsoft Teams.
Big Issue Group is striving towards Equal Opportunities. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our sector, such as women in senior roles, and people with disabilities and from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
Since 1991, The Big Issue has fought poverty by creating opportunities and supporting people to take control of their lives. Over time our organisation has grown and now The Big Issue Group consists of The Big Issue Company Ltd, Big Issue Invest Ltd, our social investment arm, and Big Issue Changing Lives Community Interest Company.
For enquiries, please contact our recruitment team at talent@bigissue.com
Parliamentary Assistant and Researcher - Immediate Start in London employer: Big Issue Group
The Big Issue is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training opportunities and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and community engagement. Located in the vibrant area of Digbeth, Birmingham, our team enjoys a range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, health support, and a commitment to equal opportunities, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about social change.
