Front Cover
Sandwich Student Information
Booklet 2014/2015
Contents
The House of Commons
Section One
The Application and Recruitment Process
Section Two
Placements
Section Three
The Department of Human Resources and Change
Assistant HR Officer
The Department of Chamber and Committee Services
DCSS Sandwich Student
The Department of Information Services
Parliamentary Outreach
Project Support Officer
The Department of Information Services
Social and General Statistics
Social Statistics Research Assistant
The Department of Facilities
Building Refurbishment, Construction & Project Management
Project Leader
The Department of Facilities
Maintenance and Operations
Building Services Engineer
General Information
Section Four
Why complete a work placement?
A placement provides University students with the opportunity to gain work experience within a
‘real’ work environment, in any size company or organisation, which is typically relevant to their
chosen degree path. Placement schemes provide mutual benefits for students and the
organisations they work within, some of these benefits include
-
Improved job opportunities
Experience of teamwork and development of interpersonal skills
Placement students are more likely to achieve higher grades and better degrees due to
additional skills and knowledge gained
Chance of a firm offer of employment
Section One
The House of Commons
The House of Commons Service is divided into five departments, plus Parliamentary Information
Communication Technology (PICT), which is a bicameral department (serving both House of
Commons and House of Lords):
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Department
Department
Department
Department
Department
of
of
of
of
of
Chamber and Committee Services
Facilities
Finance
Human Resources & Change
Information Services
There is also a small Office of the Chief Executive which supports the Clerk of the House in his
role as Chief Executive, the Accounting and Corporate Officer, and the Management Board in its
strategic leadership of the House of Commons.
Each department provides specific services to MPs, their staff and the public. The Management
Board oversees the House Service and is comprised of the Director General of each department
and chaired by the Clerk of the House. The service is ultimately accountable to the Speaker and
the House of Commons Commission.
Department of Chamber and Committee Services
The Department of Chamber and Committee Services provides secretariat, advice, procedural,
reporting, security and other services that support the work of the Chamber and committees. It
also supports the House’s international relations. This includes work such as:
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Maintaining the security of the Chamber
Using specialist skills and knowledge to support MPs in the scrutiny of government work
Advising on the progress of Acts of Parliament
Advising MPs on procedures and rules of the House
Reporting on what is said in the Chamber and publishing it in an agreed format
Department of Facilities
The Department of Facilities is responsible for providing high quality facilities and services to
Members and staff in order to enable them to carry out their work effectively in a clean and
comfortable environment. This includes work such as:
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Maintaining and restoring the historic buildings on the estate
Preparing and delivering to the catering needs of staff and supporting functions
Providing reception and attendant services, managing room moves and furnishings
Department of Finance
The Department of Finance provides finance, payroll and commercial services to the House
service. This includes jobs in areas such as:
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Financial management
Commercial services
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Pensions
Savings
Department of Human Resources and Change
The Department of Human Resources and Change supports the House Service in:
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Managing its staff capability
Learning and Development
Diversity and Inclusion
Change management
HR services and employee well being
Department of Information Services
The Department of Information Services informs the work of the House and its Members and
provides information and access to the public. This includes work such as:
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Public enquiry services
Supporting MP’s by providing research support and briefing materials
Library services
Outreach services
Web and Intranet
Media support
Managing the works of art
Parliamentary Information Communication Technology (PICT)
Parliamentary Information Communications Technology (PICT) works for Parliament in
delivering a superior IT service, expertise on business process change and greater training
opportunities to Members of the House of Commons, Members of the House of Lords and staff
of both Houses. PICT has combined expert knowledge and skills from both Houses, covering
disciplines such as IT, project management, business analysis and change management. Our
aim is: "To be a world leader in the provision, support and exploitation of ICT within
Parliaments".
Section Two
The Application and Recruitment
Process
The information you provide in your application is the ONLY information we will use in deciding
whether or not you will be short listed for an interview. Your application form, therefore, is very
important and the following advice is designed to help you complete it as effectively as
possible.
Planning your application form
Before filling in the application form, read the job information carefully. Every vacancy is based
on the job description which lists the main duties of the post, describing the skills, experience
and qualifications we are looking for. Please make sure that you know what the job involves
and the range of expertise required.
Completing the application form
Application forms should be filled in as completely and as clearly as possible so that we may
consider candidates on the same basis. Do not substitute your Curriculum Vitæ for a completed
application form, since this will not be considered.
Make sure that you complete the form clearly, type it or use black ink (as this produces clearer
photocopies). You may wish to continue your application on one or more separate sheets,
which should be attached to the application form, with your name and reference number clearly
marked on the top.
The completed application form should be returned to Sandwich Student Coordinators,
Recruitment Team, Department of Human Resources and Change, 3rd Floor, 7 Millbank, SW1P
3JA, or via e-mail sandwichstudent@parliament.uk no later than the 31/01/2014. You can
contact the Recruitment Team on 0207 219 2875.
Short-listing
After the closing date, the application forms are assessed to see how your skills, qualifications
and experience relate to the vacancy. Those who best match the criteria will be selected for
interview.
Interviews
The interview panel is normally made
candidate questions. The questions
demonstrate to the panel how far you
candidates may be asked to complete
of the selection process.
up of three, occasionally four people, who each ask the
are intended to expand on your application and to
meet the essential requirements of the post. Short-listed
a task or a test either at or before the interview as part
Further information will be provided to short-listed candidates. At interview you will have an
opportunity to ask questions about the job, the terms and conditions of service etc. The
interview panel have to keep a record of their assessment of each candidate so that the
reasons for their decisions are clear and consistent. You should therefore not be concerned
about the panel taking notes during the course of them interview. Short listed candidates will
be interviewed in Westminster in March/April 2014. The interview process may include a tour of
the Palace of Westminster and of the Department.
Additional information for candidates with disabilities
The House of Commons welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities. We wish to
ensure that all candidates have a fair opportunity in the recruitment and selection process so
that our decisions are based on your ability to do the job and not on any factor that is irrelevant
to the post. In order to help us to do this, if you consider that you have a disability, you are
invited to answer the relevant question on the application form. This will help us to make any
particular arrangements that you may require if you are selected for interview. We will then
contact you to confirm these. At each subsequent stage of the selection process you will be
given the opportunity to discuss any specific questions that you may have.
Any information that you provide will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance
with the Data Protection notice on the application form.
Travelling expenses
Candidates may be entitled to some reimbursement for necessary travelling expenses for
interview. Expenses may not exceed the cost of the return fare and candidates are expected to
take advantage of any cheap fares which may be available. In order to claim these expenses,
you should write to the Sandwich Student Coordinators, Department of Human Resources and
Change, House of Commons, 3rd Floor, 7 Millbank, London, SW1P 3JA, after your interview
with full details, enclosing tickets or receipts where available.
Expenses for overseas candidates can only be claimed between the place of arrival in the
United Kingdom and the House of Commons. Candidates may not claim overnight expenses for
nights spent in the UK because flight or sailing times do not match the interview date or
because departures are delayed.
Suggestions
It is our aim to ensure that every stage of our recruitment process is fair and properly thought
out. We want to ensure that applicants are treated fairly, even if they are not appointed. If you
feel you have any comments or suggestions to make concerning the way in which the
recruitment campaign has been handled, we would like to hear from you.
Outcome of your application
All candidates selected for interview will be notified by the Recruitment Team, in writing. If you
have not heard from the Sandwich Placement Coordinators by March 2014 you
should assume that you have not been selected for interview.
Section Three
Placements
The Department of Human Resources and Change
Assistant HR Officer
The House of Commons Service is able to offer one placement in the Department of HR &
Change, in the academic year 2014/2015. The Department of HR and Change is one of five
departments that support the work of the House of Commons. It has a dual role in
underpinning the work of the House of Commons Service.
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It provides human resource management and business services to Members, Members’
staff, departments and staff of the House of Commons. In this role, it is a service
provider aiming to meet customer needs.
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It plays a major part in ensuring that good governance arrangements are in place,
providing assurance to the House, and to the Clerk as Accounting Officer in particular,
that financial, staff and other resources are managed in line with relevant legislation,
regulations and good practice. In this role, it develops and implements policies and
procedures and monitors compliance with them. It nevertheless aims to be responsive to
differing customer requirements, developing policies and procedures in consultation.
Overall purpose of the placement
Recruitment
You will assist line managers in the design and preparation of recruitment campaigns in order to
fill defined vacancies within the House of Commons Service, as well as assuring the quality and
consistency of recruitment activity, taking full account of relevant legislation and best practice.
You will conduct relevant administration in support of both the recruitment and selection of
candidates for vacancies, completing relevant documentation, and carrying out interviews and
assessments as required
Diversity and Inclusion
You will assist in implementing and monitoring progress of the House’s single equality scheme and
facilitating outreach schemes and administering equality & diversity training, in addition you will
assist in any suitable campaign work or assignments.
Learning and Development
The suitable candidate will assist the Learning and Development team with projects, design and
delivery of courses for house staff and also assist with compiling statistics for project and
management information.
Key responsibilities
Recruitment
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Work closely with the campaign Manager to carry out the work of the recruitment team
and ensure that critical deadlines are met
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Manage the 2015-2016 recruitment campaigns
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Participate of the DHRC Sandwich Student selection board as a HR representative
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Manage the House of Commons work experience programme
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Complete quality, Job Descriptions, Advert copy, Application forms and others relevant to
the process
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Liaise with the response handling agency regarding the effective management of all
external applications received for all campaigns
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Liaise with Careers Advisors from Universities across the country
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Carry out staff inductions
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Invigilate tests and other selection exercises as necessary
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Conduct pre-employment checks on new appointees
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Provide cover for other team members when required
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Comply with the House of Commons Performance and Development Management (PDM)
Process, and pursue own continuous development with the support from the Campaign
manager - Recruitment
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Comply with the House of Commons Health and Safety Policy, accompanying codes of
practice, official guidance and statutory requirements
Diversity Team
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Supporting the Diversity Managers in taking forward the House Equality Scheme,
including assisting with embedding the system of equality impact assessments
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Undertake internal and external benchmarking exercises
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Build and maintain effective working relationships with training providers through regular
communication
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Communicate with House-Wide groups regarding the work of the Diversity team,
including writing articles for newsletters
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Assist in the organisation of regular equality and diversity events including networking
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Organise agendas and take minutes of relevant meetings
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Update the Corporate Diversity internet site
Learning and Development
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Assist the Learning and Development Team as required with project work. Previous
examples have included, marketing material design, developing content for training,
organizing information and resources and event planning
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Organise and assist with the design, administration and delivery of learning activities for
House staff
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Liaise with external training providers
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Co-coordinating work experience placements and liaising with work experience
supervisors
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Any other duties related to the post
Project Work
Specific examples of project work that have been undertaken by Sandwich Students in recent
years include:
 Managing the 2015-2016 Sandwich Student Campaign
 Managing the House of Commons work experience programme
Skills and Experience
The House of Commons will be looking for students who have the following abilities:
 Good oral communication skills with the ability to convey complex information
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Good written communication skills with the ability to clearly and concisely present
information in writing to a wide range of audiences
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The ability to organise and prioritise tasks in order to meet performance objectives
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The ability to use effective interpersonal skills with a diverse range of people whilst being
tactful and diplomatic
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An aptitude to work on your own initiative as well as being able to work flexibly within a
team
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Demonstrable knowledge of MS Office software including Word/Excel and PowerPoint
Qualifications
Candidates will need to be studying towards obtaining a HR Degree or have at least two HR
Modules integrated within the chosen degree.
The Department of Chamber and Committee Services
DCSS Sandwich Student
The House of Commons Service is able to offer one placement in Committee Support Services,
Department of Chamber and Committee Services, in the academic year 2014/2015. The
placement will be of 40 weeks’ in duration and will commence in September/October 2014.
Select committees, in most cases scrutinise the work of a particular government Department
conducting inquiries into policy and expenditure issues falling within that Department’s
responsibilities. They are composed of cross-party backbench MPs. Each committee has a small
secretariat which provides politically impartial procedural, specialist and administrative support to
it.
You will be required to assist members of the Committee staff with the provision of support to the
Committee, including conducting research and undertaking administrative and organisational tasks
in pursuance of Committee inquiries or other work, preparation of briefing material for the
committee, assisting in drafting reports for the committee, and developing a sound knowledge of
certain subjects covered by the Committee.
You are likely to be required to engage with a wide range of external stakeholders. You may be
asked to brief the Committee orally on subjects which you have researched. You may also be
asked, along with other Committee staff, to accompany members of the Committee on visits.
You may be required to undertake other duties as reasonably required.
Overall purpose of the placement:
The role of the Department of Chamber and Committee Services is to provide specialist
professional and administrative services related to the procedure of the House. The department
provides advice and services not only to the House as a whole and to the Speaker of the House
and the Deputy Speakers, but also to the Committees appointed by the House, to the
Chairpersons of those Committees and to individual Members.
It is essential that all duties are undertaken in a politically impartial manner, and that the
confidentiality of Committee proceedings is maintained as required.
Key responsibilities
Research
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Assist in scoping for inquires
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Conducting research
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Developing a sound knowledge of relevant subject areas
Written & Oral presentation
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Attend committee meetings
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Preparing briefing material for evidence sessions
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Organising evidence sessions and briefing witnesses
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Assist in drafting reports for committee
External
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Accompany members on visits in the UK (with other Committee staff)
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Attend external events as requested and report back on matters of relevance to the work
of the Committee
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Liaise with a broad range of external individuals and organisations, including government
departments, their agencies and other stakeholders (including academics, pressure
groups and representative bodies, members of the public)
Skills and Experience
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Understands the role and work of Parliament with an understanding of the context in
which policy is made
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Demonstrate good communication skills; both written and oral
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The ability to assimilate, understand and analyse evidence and an aptitude to work on
your own initiative
Uses effective interpersonal skills with a diverse range of people
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The ability to work well in a team
Qualifications
Candidates can be studying any discipline but you must be on a recognised four year sandwich
placement course.
Department of Information Services (Parliamentary Outreach)
Project Support Officer
Parliament’s Outreach Service spreads awareness of the work, processes and relevance of the
institution of Parliament, encouraging greater engagement between the public and the House of
Commons and House of Lords. Parliament’s Outreach Service’s programme for Higher Education
comprises a variety of projects aimed at supporting the teaching of Parliament within
universities and encouraging engagement with Parliament across the Higher Education sector.
This high profile project involves senior parliamentarians and officials from across both Houses.
There are five key elements to this stream. These are;
Open Lectures: Regular events in Westminster and at universities across the UK, aimed at
students and academics, consisting of lectures from senior figures from within Parliament,
covering any aspect of Parliament and its work.
Parliamentary Studies Module: This is a module co-taught between universities and
Parliament as part of an undergraduate Politics degree, and gives students a detailed
knowledge of how the UK Parliament works, both in theory and practice. 13 universities
currently deliver the Parliamentary Studies module.
On-line resources: Provision of teaching resources about Parliament and signposting students
and academics to research from Parliament on the Parliament website.
Student visits to Parliament: Co-ordinating and arranging visits to Westminster for student
groups.
Business as usual: Outreach continues to offer free workshops and talks to universities,
covering a range of subjects related to the institution of Parliament.
The House of Commons service is able to offer one placement in the Department of Information
Services – Parliamentary Outreach, in the academic year 2014/2015. The placement will be of
48 weeks in duration and will commence September/October 2014.
Overall purpose of the placement:
 Assist the Project Manager in their work to ensure that the high level of demand for Parliament’s
Outreach Service is met, whilst maintaining departmental standards
 Assist the Digital Outreach Team in increasing awareness of the Outreach programme through online
channels
 Build and maintain relationships with universities through regular communication
 Complete financial paperwork as necessary, to time and within House policies
 Maintenance of all relevant records
 Ensure all necessary administration is completed to time and within appropriate House policies
 Other duties as necessary
Key responsibilities
Parliamentary Outreach Team:
 Work closely with the Project Manager to carry out the work of Parliament’s Outreach team
and ensure that the high level of demand for Parliament’s Outreach Service is met, whilst
continuously maintaining high standards of delivery and meeting critical deadlines
 Participate in the delivery of projects at the direction of the Project Manager and see them
through from development to completion
 Provide event support and administration for a wide range of large and small scale events
 Build and maintain effective working relationships with universities through regular
communication
 Maintain administrative and monitoring systems, ensuring that routine systems and procedures
are carried out on time and to consistently high standards
 Use evaluation systems and techniques, and support the development of effective evaluation
methods
 Complete financial paperwork as necessary, to time and within House policies.
 Maintain all relevant records
 Provide cover for other team members when required
 Any other duties related to the post
 Comply with the House of Commons Performance and Development Management (PDM)
Process, and pursue own continuous development with the support from Human Resources
 Comply with the House of Commons Health and Safety Policy, accompanying codes of
practice, official guidance and statutory requirements
Digital Outreach Team:
 Assist the Digital Outreach Team in increasing awareness of the Outreach programme
 Update the Parliamentary Outreach internet site with new information and updates
Skills and Experience
The House of Commons will be looking for students who have the following abilities:
 Experience of managing pieces of work from development to completion
 Good oral communication skills with the ability to convey complex information
 Good written communication skills with the ability to clearly and concisely present
information in writing to a wide range of audiences
 The ability to organise and prioritise tasks in order to meet performance objectives
 Uses effective interpersonal skills with a diverse range of people whilst being tactful and
diplomatic
 Aptitude to work on your own initiative, as well as part of a team
 Demonstrable knowledge of MS Office software including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
Qualifications
Candidates will need to be studying towards a relevant degree with an integrated sandwich
placement year.
Department of Information Services (Social and General Statistics)
Social Statistics Research Assistant
The House of Commons service is able to offer one placement in Social and General Statistics,
Department of Information Services, in the academic year 2014/2015. The placement will be of
40 weeks’ in duration and will commence in September/October 2014 and end in June/July
2015.
The position is in the Social and General Statistics section of the Department of Information
Services. The Social and General Statistics Section is one of eight teams providing a specialist,
politically impartial information and briefing service for MPs, their staff, committees and staff of
the House. The section produces a wide range of material and other services, including
confidential answers to enquiries from Members of Parliament and briefing on legislation and
topical subjects. These are made available to MPs on the Parliamentary intranet and in some
cases, its public website.
There are nine researchers in the Social and General Statistics Section who specialise in broad
subject areas. These include statistics on health, social benefits, pensions, transport, population,
elections, agriculture, education, housing, defence, energy and the environment. The Section’s
work covers the UK and other countries and is directly related to the Parliamentary and news
agenda. The Section typically deals with 300 to 400 requests from MPs a month, in addition to
other tasks.
There are nine researchers in the Social and General Statistics Section who specialise in broad
subject areas. These include statistics on health, social benefits, pensions, transport,
population, elections, agriculture, education, housing, defence, energy and the environment.
The Section’s work covers the UK and other countries and is directly related to the
Parliamentary and news agenda. The Section typically deals with 300 to 400 requests from MPs
a month, in addition to other tasks. It is committed to publishing reports on UK elections and
the latest UK social statistics and in 2012 its book Olympic Britain showed how the UK had
changed between the UK “Olympic years”. Examples of these publications can be viewed at
www.parliament.uk/business/publications/research/
The placement is likely to coincide with a 2015 General Election which will provide a particular focus for
the successful student. Examples of the sort of analysis produced on the 2010 General Election can be
found at http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/parliament-government-and-politics/election-resultsuk/.
Overall purpose of the placement
 Assist statisticians in their day to day research work
 Participate in research projects at the direction of their line manager
 Effectively communicate and liaise with MPs and their staff
 Other duties as necessary
Skills and experience
The House of Commons will be looking for students who have the following abilities:
 Ability to deal with numerical information and spreadsheets
 Good communication skills; written and oral
 Proven organisational skills
 Able to work on own initiative and as part of team
 Experienced using the internet as a research tool
 Interested in current affairs, particularly in UK politics and political events
Qualifications
Candidates will be studying towards an Economics, Politics or Social Sciences or other relevant
degree with an integrated Statistics module. Candidates must be studying on a recognised four
year sandwich placement course.
The Department of Facilities
Project Leader (Student)
Parliamentary Estates Directorate (PED) – Project Delivery Team
Overall purpose of the placement
Project Leaders work within the Project Delivery Team of the Parliamentary Estates Directorate
(PED), which is responsible for the programming, planning and delivery of all maintenance,
construction and conservation projects across the Parliamentary Estate. A project can range from
£25k through to millions of pounds, with on-site works running from 2-3 weeks to any number of
years. The nature of each project will vary and it is typical for each Project Leader to be
responsible for a range of conversion, construction and maintenance projects at any one time.
As a Project Leader (Student), you will work as part of the Project Delivery Team to ensure the
successful delivery of a wide range of projects across the Parliamentary Estate. Under the
guidance of a Senior Project Leader, you will be given real responsibility and learn how to apply
your own knowledge and skills to live projects in a high-profile environment.
Key responsibilities
Project Sponsor/Intelligent Client
As a Project Leader (Student); you will have duties comparable to a Project Leader, albeit in a
junior capacity. You will be given the opportunity to work on live projects, which will test your
ability to lead pro-actively and allow you to expand the skills learnt in your studies. You will be
able to make a genuine contribution to the success of PED projects.
With support and guidance from Project Leaders (PLs), you will be the point of contact for
internal and external stakeholders for each project. This will require you to chair meetings,
provide regular updates and ensure that any changes to programme, cost and quality are
communicated clearly using the Estates Programme Management (EPM) system. You will
ensure that any consultants and contractors fully understand the requirements of the project
and of its stakeholders.
You will be required to maintain the rules, ethics and professional practices of both Parliament
and of the construction industry. You will ensure that each project is procured and managed in
accordance with modern Building Regulations, Listed Building restrictions, appropriate and
relevant codes of practice and specific House of Commons directives.
Personal Responsibility
You will be responsible for ensuring that the necessary health and safety obligations are met on
each project. Where possible, you will be expected to incorporate appropriate environmental
and sustainability initiatives.
Project Administration
As a Project Leader (Student), you will be involved in the programming and planning of each
project. You will be responsible for writing Business Cases, which are used to gain financial
approval and outline the anticipated duration of works. You will ensure that the scope and
intended outcome of each project is clearly defined and reinforced throughout its lifecycle. Any
risks must be identified and appropriate measures taken to mitigate their impact.
Working with the Commercial Services Directorate, you will be involved in the appointment of
consultants and contractors for each project. You will be required to produce tender
documentation, review submissions and conduct post-tender interviews, considering both cost
and quality before making a decision. You will write tender reports, which provide evidence of
the processes leading to your decision and form a robust basis for resolving any disputes or
challenges that may arise after selection. Once appointed, you will be involved in the
management of consultants and contractors, holding regular progress meetings to ensure that
each project is being delivered to its intended cost, quality and programme requirements and to
stakeholder expectations.
When each project is handed over, you will be responsible for providing the relevant
documentation to ensure that the completed works are in accordance with the original
objectives.
As a Project Leader (Student), you will be expected to escalate any issues, queries or concerns
to your Line Manager as and when required.
Continuing Professional Development
Your duties undertaken as a Project Leader (Student) can be used to achieve competencies as
part of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Assessment of Professional
Competence (APC).
This job description may develop in line with business needs and post holders are expected to
carry out other reasonable duties as required.
Skills and Experience
• Self-motivating with a high level of commitment and enthusiasm, with a willingness to
learn proactively
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how planning, prioritising, organizing and
problem solving activities contribute to the success of a project
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of effective oral, written, graphic and
presentation skills including the methods and techniques that are appropriate to specific
situations
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and indicate how these can be adapted to
communicate with a diverse range of staff, customers and stakeholders
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles, behavior and dynamics of
working as part of a team and as a leader
Qualifications
Candidates will need to be studying for a Surveying/ Construction/ Technical/ Project
Management degree.
Please note that candidates studying an ICT project management course are unlikely to be
suitable for this position.
The Department of Facilities
Building Services Engineer (Student)
Parliamentary Estates Directorate (PED) – Maintenance & Operations Team
The House of Commons Service is able to offer one placement in the Maintenance & Operations
Team in the academic year 2014/2015. The position is within the Engineers control Team of the
Parliamentary Estates Directorate (PED) which is responsible for the energy efficient operation of
all building services systems and for the programming, planning and delivery of all engineering
works across the Parliamentary Estate. These include works for both the House of Commons and
the House of Lords who employ their own in-house staff and craft teams, plus external contractors
to oversee the work.
All engineering projects are delivered via a number of in-house engineering staff, each responsible
for the successful delivery of a range of projects and routine engineering work.
This position will work with the Engineers Control Team to assist them with a range of engineering
projects and building services systems across the Palace of Westminster (a Grade 1 Listed building
and World Heritage site), and other buildings within the Parliamentary Estate, as well as
communicating with external contractors and the projects team.
This position will also assist the Service Manger and the Maintenance Manger with their daily
duties (see description of duties).
The Parliamentary Estate incorporates the Palace of Westminster (a Grade I Listed Building and
World Heritage site), Portcullis House and a number of other associated (leased and owned) out
buildings. The list below identifies the main, current buildings. It should be noted that Norman
Shaw North is also Grade I Listed and most other out buildings are either Grade II or II* Listed.
1. Palace of Westminster
2. Norman Shaw North
3. 1 Derby Gate
4. 1 Parliament Street
5. 1 Cannon Row
6. Norman Shaw South
7. Portcullis House
8. Broad Sanctuary
9. 6/7 Old Palace Yard
10. 2 The Abbey Garden
11. 1 The Abbey Garden
12. Fielden House
13. Millbank House (1 & 2)
14. 7 Millbank
15. 4 Millbank
16. 14 Tothill Street
17. 53 Parliament Street
The estate comprises approximately 250,000 square metres of space and is occupied by 659
MPs (646 with their own offices and staff), 750 Peers (700 with their own offices and staff) and
all the associated support services to ensure the smooth running of parliamentary business.
The House of Commons employs approximately 1700 staff and the House of Lords
approximately 475 staff.
In 2008, the estate had over 1.3 million visitors and this number has been, and will continue to,
increase annually.
Key responsibilities
Specific tasks already highlighted for the Sandwich Student include:
 Gaining a knowledge of the method of operation of building (Mechanical & Electrical)
services and systems
 Attending to reactive and non-reactive engineering projects
 Updating Disaster Recovery Manuals & business continuity plans
 Reviewing energy management criteria and plant settings
 Collating handover snag lists and ensuring quality of works provided by contractors
 Coordinating training and development for Engineers Control staff across the Estate
 Organising tool box talks and presentations and attending training
 Attending meetings, chairing meetings and compiling minutes
 Compiling contract documentation and letting contracts
 Writing reports and distributing throughout Senior Management and the team
 Complying with Health and Safety regulations and promoting safe working within the
team
Skills and Experience
 Practical experience of Building/Construction/Technical and Project Management, for
example personal project, working on projects abroad, working with family or colleagues
and self build
 Demonstrable communication skills, both written and oral
 Self-motivating with a high level of commitment and enthusiasm with a willingness to
learn proactively
 The aptitude to work on your own initiative and have proven organisational skills
 Uses effective interpersonal skills with a diverse range of people with the ability to work
well within a team
Qualifications
Candidates will need to be studying for a Building Services / Technical / Engineering degree.
Please note that students studying an ICT project management course are unlikely to be
suitable for this position.
Section Four
General Information
Hours
Full-time
Net conditioned full-time working hours for staff of the House are usually 36 per week (this
excludes daily meal breaks of one hour). The hours of attendance for this post are 34 net per
week, exact hours of attendance each day are to be agreed with line management. You may be
allowed to work shorter hours during parliamentary recesses at management discretion.
Date of Appointment
Confirmation of the appointment will be subject to the satisfactory outcome of the normal preemployment checks which include: security clearance to Counter Terrorist Clearance level
(CTC), health clearance, references and proof of educational and professional qualifications.
The successful candidate will be required to take up post in September/October 2014.
Security Clearance
If you are invited to attend for interview you will be sent a security clearance application form
to complete. The minimum period of residence in the UK for a non EU national, or a national
from a country where there is no vetting liaison with the UK, is 12 months. If you are unsure
whether your country of origin has a vetting liaison with the UK, please make a note of this on
the form and we will check this for you. We will only inform you if there are likely to be any
difficulties with obtaining security clearance.
In some instances it may also be necessary to provide character references to assist with
completion of the security clearance procedure. Should this be necessary you will be contacted
by the DHRC. We require references and these should be from your current and previous
employers and academic tutors. Please provide accurate and up to date contact details and if
possible let your referees know that we may contact them.
Please note that referees cannot be relatives.
Educational and professional qualifications
You will be required, initially, to provide copies of all educational and professional qualification
certificates for those qualifications listed as essential (see above) for this post. You will be
asked to provide the original certificates should the appointment be confirmed.
Salary
The annual salary for the Sandwich Student placements is £16,774 per annum.
Annual Leave
A pro rata leave entitlement will be based on 18 days’ paid leave in addition to Bank Holidays.
You will need to check with the department as annual leave may have to be taken during
parliamentary recess and by arrangement with the line manager and other colleagues.
You will also be entitled to 12 days’ paid study leave per annum (pro rata).
Eligibility
You will be required to provide evidence of your existing right to work in the UK. The HR
Operations team will request the appropriate documents should you be invited for interview. If
you have any queries about your eligibility to work please contact the Department of Human
Resources and Change.
Registration
If you are a national of Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or
Slovenia you may be required to register with the Home Office if you are offered employment
with the House of Commons. If you are a national of Bulgaria or Romania you do not need to
be registered with the Home Office but you may require a work permit to take up employment
in the UK. You should indicate this on your application form.
Sickness Absence
Absence due to sickness may be allowed on full pay, less any National Insurance benefit
received, up to a maximum of six months in any period of twelve months, and thereafter on
reduced pay for a further period, subject to a deduction of National Insurance benefit in certain
cases, and an overriding limit of twelve months' sick leave in any period of four years.
Political Impartiality
Staff of the House are required to serve with complete political impartiality. The person
appointed may therefore be expected to adhere to certain restrictions on their political activities
for the duration of their appointment. The degree of restriction is dependent on the nature of
the post. More specific information may be requested at the interview stage, if required.
Pension Scheme Arrangements
Pensions Questionnaire
The successful candidate will be asked to complete and return a House of Commons Staff
Pension Scheme Pensions Questionnaire. Your appointment will be pensionable from the outset
and you will be covered by the House of Commons Staff Pension Scheme (HOCSPS). As soon as
you start your new job, you are eligible to join the House of Commons Staff Pension Scheme
(HOCSPS). The House offers you a choice of two types of pension:

nuvos. This is an occupational pension scheme. Details of the contributions you will pay are
shown in Annex A. As your employer we meet the rest of the cost of the scheme.

partnership pension account. This is a stakeholder pension, with a contribution from the
House. How much we pay is based on your age. We pay this regardless of whether you
choose to contribute anything. You do not have to contribute but, if you do, we will also
match your contributions up to 3% of your pensionable earnings. The contributions are in
addition to the age-related contribution mentioned above.
Westminster Gymnasium
Membership to the in-house gymnasium is available, on payment, to employees of the House of
Commons.
Non-smoking policy
A non-smoking policy operates in all shared workplaces and the successful candidate(s) will be
expected to comply with this. Designated smoking areas are provided.
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