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  4. Social Statistics Research Assistant Placement Student 2022
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The Social and General Statistics Section is one of eight teams the Research Service of the House of Commons Library which provide impartial information and analysis to individual Members of Parliament, their staff and select committees.

There are ten researchers in the in the Section who specialise in broad subject areas. These include statistics on crime and the criminal justice system, health, social benefits and pensions, transport, elections, education, housing, defence, social mobility 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 400 to 500 requests from MPs a month, in addition to other tasks.

The Role

The Social & General Stats Section are seeking an undergraduate to work with our Researchers in the section to produce a wide range of material and other services, including confidential answers to enquiries from Members of Parliament and briefings on legislation and topical subjects. These longer briefings are made available to MPs and, in most cases, available on Parliament’s website. The work of the sections covers the UK and other countries and is directly related to the Parliamentary and news agenda. Training will be provided.

Some of the key responsibility on a day-to-day basis include:

  • Taking and logging enquiries through multiple channels such as by telephone, email and in person from MPs and their staff across the range of topics dealt with by the Social & General Statistics Section.
  • Responding to straightforward and routine enquiries and requests for published information. Collaborating with colleagues and assisting with more complex requests under the supervision of research specialists.
  • Presenting information in a way that is appropriate to customer requirements and consistent with Library standards, including in written form, spreadsheets, tables, charts, or web pages. Research sections are increasingly using data visualisation and other data science-based tools.

Skills and experience

The successful candidate will have the following skills/experience

  • Ability to deal with numerical information and spreadsheets. Experienced using the internet as a research tool.
  • Good communication skills: written and oral with the ability to clearly explain complex information to diverse audiences.
  • Proven organisational skills with the ability to manage own workload to meet deadlines.
  • Able to work on own initiative and as part of team, upholding our principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at all times.

Eligibility

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.

Why Join

In addition to your salary and allowances, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

  • 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).   
  • Civil Service Pension scheme.   
  • Access to training and development
  • Flexible working.   
  • Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.   

Next steps

If you are interested in the role, please submit an application form via the House of Commons careers portal providing evidence against criteria 1- 4.

More information on the job can be found on the job description.