Parliamentary and Policy Researcher (Education)

The Church of England has a unique role in the education system, providing around 20% of all schools (around 4700 schools). Its national work is overseen by the National Society for Education (Church of England & Church in Wales), working closely in partnership with Diocesan Boards of Education, school and trust leaders, alongside strategic leaders in the FE and HE sectors. The NSE is chaired by the Bishop of Portsmouth, who regularly speaks in debates and works across the House with a wide range of peers, also working very closely with ministers, particularly in the Department for Education. This role is to provide parliamentary and policy support to him and a range of other Lords Spiritual who will speak on education issues.

The role sits inside the NSE team, line managed by the Head of Education Policy, and then working closely with the wider team of other Parliamentary and Policy Researchers across the wider Church of England. It provides an excellent opportunity for someone looking to support the Church’s work in education at the most strategic level.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 3rd August 2026. Interviews will be held virtually on Thursday 6th August 2026.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the Bishop of Portsmouth (Chair of the National Society for Education and Lead Bishop for Education), and a range of other Lords Spiritual speaking on education policy in the House of Lords.
• Advising on and researching materials for questions, speeches and other interventions in the Lords. Monitoring and keeping the Bishops informed about relevant parliamentary developments and timetables.
• Liaising with MPs, Peers and their staff, Parliamentary officials, and others in and outside the NCIs on behalf of the Bishops.
• Drafting material for online and print publication about the Bishops’ work, in close collaboration with communications officers in Church House and the Diocese of Portsmouth.
• Providing occasional research resource for the Bishops in their diocesan work, as and when required. This may involve researching and drafting talks, articles and lectures.
• Supporting the Head of Education Policy and Chief Education Officer in their wider policy-related responsibilities as and when required.
• Working with the wider Parliamentary Team to ensure that the Bishops are kept abreast of the wider activities of the Lords Spiritual and the Parliamentary Team.

This list is not exhaustive and is intended to reflect your main tasks and areas of work. Changes may occur over time and you will be expected to agree any reasonable changes to your job description that are in line with the general nature of your post. You will be consulted about any changes to your job description before these are implemented.

The Parliamentary and Policy Researcher will be expected to regularly work in London (at our office base – Church House, Westminster), and at the House of Lords. Flexibility in the working pattern will be required, due to the Bishops’ duty weeks and other commitments in the Lords, as well as parliamentary sitting and recess dates. The postholder will need to have access to the Parliamentary estate, so will be required to apply for a security pass sponsored by the Bishops, and will be expected to abide by the rules and codes set by Parliament that accompany the issuing of a pass. The postholder will also have access to the facilities offered to NCI staff, observing the responsibilities and protocols which apply to all staff of the NCIs.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL

• Excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing. Proven ability in drafting briefing papers or press releases, bulletins or other accessible modes of communication.
• Excellent organisational skills, including time management, diary management etc.
• Research skills, with the ability to gather information quickly and accurately and to produce content in forms suitable for both brief speeches and full-length addresses.
• Ability to discern the impact of policies, legislation etc. on the Church of England, other churches, and other faith communities.
• Knowledge of the UK Parliament, current affairs and the making of Government policy.
• A grasp of the key issues facing the Church of England in its public role today.
• Some experience of organising events (receptions, seminars, meetings etc.).

Personal attributes:

• Enthusiasm, energy and imagination.
• Discretion and judgement in handling confidential or sensitive material.
• A flexible, open and collaborative working style.
• A willingness to work with and learn from senior colleagues, and people of differing political and theological persuasions.

DESIRABLE

• Knowledge of current trends in Education policy.
• Some knowledge or experience of parliamentary processes, political parties, think tanks, lobby groups etc.
• Some knowledge of the structures of the Church of England, and Education landscape.