Head of the Commons Whips Office
Head of the Commons Whips Office

Head of the Commons Whips Office

Full-Time 50000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
L

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Commons Whips Office and maximise Liberal Democrats' impact in Parliament.
  • Company: Join the dynamic team of the Liberal Democrats in Westminster.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and a chance to shape political strategy.
  • Why this job: Be at the heart of parliamentary operations and influence real change.
  • Qualifications: Strong understanding of UK parliamentary procedures and excellent communication skills.
  • Other info: Flexible working environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.

The Head of the Whips Office will play a pivotal role at the heart of the parliamentary operation of the Liberal Democrats. Reporting to the Chief of Staff to the Chief Whip, the postholder will lead the day-to-day operation of the Commons Whips Office and play a central role in maximising the impact of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Commons. They will ensure the effective management of parliamentary business and provide high standards of procedural and political support to Liberal Democrat MPs, the Chief Whip, the Deputy Chief Whip and the Chief of Staff to the Chief Whip. The position will demand a high level of organisation skill, a capacity for negotiation and discretion and an ability to get the best out of people.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and motivate the work of the Whips Office on a day-to-day basis.
  • Oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of the Offices operational priorities.
  • Identify opportunities to achieve Liberal Democrat objectives through Parliament.
  • Liaise with other party whips offices, government offices and parliamentary authorities as required.
  • Advise the Chief Whip, the Deputy Chief Whip and the Chief of Staff to the Chief Whip on parliamentary procedure and on opportunities to support the Liberal Democrats in Parliament.
  • Provide procedural, political and pastoral support and advice to Liberal Democrat MPs and their staff.
  • Provide other duties as required by the Chief Whip and/or the Chief of Staff to the Chief Whip.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

  • Robust understanding and knowledge of UK parliamentary procedures and the Parliamentary Party.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to handle sensitive political information with discretion and professionalism.
  • Effective interpersonal skills across a range of stakeholders.
  • Willingness to work flexibly and be responsive to the demands of the Office.
  • High level of political awareness and strong political judgement.
  • Experience of crisis management and working under pressure.
  • Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong commitment to, and understanding of, the aims and values of the Liberal Democrats.

Desirable Criteria

  • Experience of legislative campaigning.
  • Familiarity with internal structures and operations of the Liberal Democrats.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to:

  • A CV (maximum 2 pages)
  • A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date. We will not notify applicants if their application has been unsuccessful at the shortlisting stage.

Please Note: We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf. Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.

It is important to celebrate what makes us unique and that you feel valued, appreciated and free to be who you are.

Head of the Commons Whips Office employer: Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment in the heart of Westminster, where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on parliamentary operations. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and personal growth, the party fosters a culture that values each individual's contributions while providing opportunities for professional development and collaboration. Joining the Whips Office means being part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in shaping political discourse and supporting Liberal Democrat MPs.
L

Contact Detail:

Liberal Democrats Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of the Commons Whips Office

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the political scene. Attend events, join discussions, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former staffers. They can give you insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the Liberal Democrats' recent initiatives and understand their parliamentary strategies. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills in negotiation and crisis management during interviews. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated tricky situations. This will highlight your ability to handle the pressures of the Whips Office.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of the Commons Whips Office

Understanding of UK parliamentary procedures
Excellent written communication skills
Excellent verbal communication skills
Discretion and professionalism
Interpersonal skills
Political awareness
Political judgement
Crisis management
Ability to manage competing priorities
Flexibility and responsiveness
Experience in legislative campaigning
Knowledge of Liberal Democrats' internal structures and operations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Stuff: Make sure you have a solid understanding of UK parliamentary procedures and the Liberal Democrats' values. This will not only help you in your application but also show us that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Tailor Your Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal and specific to the Head of the Commons Whips Office role. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for the position.

Keep It Concise: We love a well-structured CV! Stick to a maximum of 2 pages and make sure every word counts. Focus on relevant experience and achievements that showcase your ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered as soon as possible. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Liberal Democrats

✨Know Your Parliamentary Procedures

Make sure you brush up on your understanding of UK parliamentary procedures. This role is all about navigating the Commons, so being able to discuss specific processes and how they impact the Liberal Democrats will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you can hit the ground running.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since this position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles. Whether it's drafting reports or negotiating with stakeholders, be ready to share specific instances where your communication made a difference.

✨Demonstrate Political Awareness

Stay updated on current political events and understand the Liberal Democrats' stance on key issues. During the interview, reference recent developments and articulate how they relate to the party's objectives. This will highlight your commitment and understanding of the political landscape.

✨Prepare for Crisis Management Scenarios

Given the fast-paced nature of this role, think of examples where you've successfully managed crises or competing priorities. Be ready to discuss how you handled pressure and what strategies you employed to ensure smooth operations, as this will showcase your ability to thrive in challenging situations.

Head of the Commons Whips Office
Liberal Democrats
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>