At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on housing issues to support MPs and inform public policy.
- Company: Join the House of Commons Library, a key player in UK Parliament.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30-35 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing policy while developing your expertise in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong research skills and knowledge of housing issues, with the ability to communicate clearly.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and networking.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 Β£ per year.
Are you passionate about providing high-quality research that informs national debate and supports democratic decision-making? As a Housing Researcher in the House of Commons Library, you will use your specialist knowledge to provide impartial, evidence-based analysis that helps MPs understand key housing issues and support their constituents. Working at the heart of UK Parliament, you will turn complex information into clear briefings, shaping parliamentary scrutiny and debate while contributing to the wider work of the Research and Information team.
This is a rare opportunity to combine your expertise in housing with meaningful impact on policy and public life. You will join the Social Policy Section, a busy and collaborative team covering social security, education, social services, health, and housing. In this role, you will work alongside senior researchers to respond to requests from MPs and their staff, support constituency casework, and produce authoritative Library briefings and analysis for publication online and in print.
You will also maintain an up-to-date knowledge of housing issues, building external contacts and networks, and developing expertise in at least one area such as tenancy rights, leasehold law, social housing regulation, local authority duties, or housing standards. This role is offered on a hybrid working basis, with an expectation of you spending 40% of your time in the office.
Why Join us?
In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including but not limited to:
- Generous annual leave starting at 30 days and increasing to 35 after one full working year.
- Enrolment in the excellent Civil Service pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 27%.
- Flexible working options that help you find a balance including enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave, caring leave and alternative working patterns.
What weβre looking for.
You have the ability to quickly absorb relevant information, evaluate the reliability of sources, and use sound judgement to draw accurate, evidence-based conclusions. You will have a broad awareness of housing issues and expertise in at least one of the following specialist areas: tenancy rights, leasehold law, social housing regulation, local authority duties, or housing standards.
You can explain complex information clearly in both written and verbal forms, communicating with authority and strict political impartiality while adapting your message to different audiences. You can prioritise and manage your workload effectively, meeting deadlines and maintaining high quality even when under pressure. You work collaboratively with others and build strong relationships with a diverse range of people, consistently upholding equality, diversity and inclusion principles.
Next Steps and Additional Information
If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1 in the job description. This will be a two-stage application process: We will ask you to complete a single criterion first. This will be Criteria 1 'Research and analysis'. Candidates who are shortlisted based on this criterion will then be invited to complete the other criteria. We will assess your application form and, if you are successful, we will invite you to complete a written test and attend an interview.
More information on the application process can be found here: Application process - UK Parliament and in the application support pack attached. If you are invited to interview, you will be provided the interview questions in advance. Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.
Information Sessions
As part of the process, we will be running virtual information sessions on MS Teams for you to find out more about this role. These sessions will be on:
- Thursday 11 December 2025 at 10:00 - 11:00
- Tuesday 16 December 2025 at 13:00 - 14:00
To register to attend, please book your slot via Eventbrite here. If you are an internal staff member, please email Georgia Pearse (Recruitment Advisor) to receive the Teams invite.
Housing Researcher in London employer: HOUSE OF COMMONS-3
Contact Detail:
HOUSE OF COMMONS-3 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Housing Researcher in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the House of Commons Library inside out! Familiarise yourself with their recent publications and key housing issues. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Housing Researchers on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. Building connections can give you insights that set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll need to explain complex information clearly, try explaining housing issues to friends or family. The clearer you can make it for them, the better prepared you'll be for the interview.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, keep an eye on the upcoming virtual information sessions β theyβre a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Researcher in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure youβve got a solid grasp of the housing issues mentioned in the job description. We want to see your expertise shine through, so do your research and be ready to back up your claims with evidence.
Tailor Your Application: Donβt just send a generic application! Weβre looking for how your skills match the specific criteria, especially around research and analysis. Make it personal and relevant to the role β show us why youβre the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: When youβre explaining complex information, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point. Remember, youβre aiming to communicate effectively with MPs and their staff.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure you submit your application through our official website. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, youβll find all the details you need about the process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at HOUSE OF COMMONS-3
β¨Know Your Housing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest housing issues and legislation. Familiarise yourself with key topics like tenancy rights and social housing regulation, as these will likely come up in your interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your passion and expertise.
β¨Practice Clear Communication
Since you'll need to explain complex information clearly, practice articulating your thoughts. Try explaining a complicated housing issue to a friend or family member who knows nothing about it. This will help you refine your ability to communicate effectively and adapt your message for different audiences.
β¨Show Your Research Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your research and analytical skills. Think of examples where you've evaluated sources and drawn evidence-based conclusions. Be ready to discuss how you approach research tasks and how you ensure the reliability of your information.
β¨Be Collaborative
Highlight your teamwork abilities during the interview. Share experiences where you've worked with diverse groups or built strong relationships. Emphasising your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion will resonate well with the values of the House of Commons Library.