Vacancy: Parliamentary Researcher

Working For: Apsana Begum MP (Poplar and Limehouse) 

Location: London 

Salary: £38,404 – £61,597 

Length of Contract: Permanent 

Apsana Begum MP is looking to recruit a highly self-motivated individual with strong background and experience of working on parliamentary processes and legislative procedures. This role will suit someone has strong written, analytical and leadership skills and is a team player. This is a full-time role based in London. 

Key responsibilities

Parliamentary, legislative and policy work 

• Advise the Member of policy and legislative issues, maintaining knowledge of bills, Early Day Motions, Questions and debates 

• Prepare for debates and legislation, drafting parliamentary speeches, interventions, articles, press releases, reports and briefings 

• Respond to the media, lobbyists and pressure groups, dealing with high-level queries and complaints 

• Have final signoff on all relevant delegated areas such as letters and take ownership of certain casework as required such as complex policy 

Strategy, projects and supervision 

• Establish and develop appropriate strategies, advising the Member on potential questions and motions 
• Horizon-scanning, anticipate what advice or action may be required; proactively identify problems and resolve them 
• Build relationships and liaise with key contacts and stakeholders including academics and industry policy experts 
• Lead on project work 
• Undertake supervisory responsibility as required, including coaching and mentoring 

Research, reporting and analysis 

• Undertake research on relevant subjects as directed 
• Analyse, evaluate and interpret data and produce briefings 
• Research local, regional or national issues to support the MPs’ work 

Communications, stakeholder and press management 

• Develop, manage and maintain highly effective external communication (proactive and reactive) presence and evaluate impact
• Prepare media plans, briefings, draft press releases, quotes and liaise with all media 
• Oversee, monitor and update online platforms for e.g. website and social media
• Monitor local, regional and national issues and media coverage online and social media 

There may be a requirement for the role holder to work outside of normal working hours, including assisting with events with the MP as requested. 

This is a full-time role based on 37.5 hours per week. 

Person Specification

Experience 

• Working in Parliament (e.g. in an MP’s office) or in a legal/political, research organisation other public service environment 
• Drafting speeches and high-level written correspondence 
• Undertaking research and scrutiny 

Knowledge 

• Strong understanding of the roles and functions of key parliamentary bodies and stakeholders 
• Knowledge of national and local issues 
• Understanding of Poplar and Limehouse constituency (desirable)Knowledge of domestic violence and abuse legislation or policy (desirable) 

Skills and Aptitudes 

• Shows informed judgment when working in a parliamentary or public‑policy environment 
• Deliver high quality work at pace, meeting tight deadlines 
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office suite, including Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint and social media platforms 
• Commitment to the following values: integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, innovation, empathy, resilience, well-being, selflessness and responsibility 
• Committed to the political values of Apsana Begum MP 

Competencies 

• Writing and reporting 
• Applying expertise 
• Presenting and communicating information 
• Deciding and initiating action 
• Strategic thinking 

Closing Date: Sunday 25th January 2026 

Interview/Start Dates 

Interviews will begin to be held on the w/c 26th January and will involve written tests. The start date will be agreed with the successful candidate. 

Application Details 

Applicants should submit a CV (of no more than 2 pages) and a Written Statement demonstrating skills, knowledge and experience in the following key areas: 

1. Drafting speeches

2. Providing advice on policy

3. Strategic thinking and sound political judgement

4. Developing and executing press and communication strategies

to  apsana.begum.mp@parliament.uk with the subject line ‘Parliamentary Researcher 2026 – Full name’.

Upon appointment you will be required to comply with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, undertaken by the Members’ Staff Verification Office (MSVO). See Members’ Staff Verification Office (MSVO) page for further info. MPs generally pay staff in accordance with IPSA guidelines.