Front CoverSandwich 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 ServicesParliamentary OutreachProject Support Officer

The Department of Information ServicesSocial and General StatisticsSocial Statistics Research Assistant

The Department of Facilities Building Refurbishment, Construction & Project ManagementProject Leader

The Department of Facilities Maintenance and OperationsBuilding 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 CommonsThe 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):

Department of Chamber and Committee Services Department of Facilities Department of Finance Department of Human Resources & Change Department of 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 ServicesThe 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:

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 FacilitiesThe 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:

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:

Financial management Commercial services Pensions Savings

Department of Human Resources and ChangeThe Department of Human Resources and Change supports the House Service in:

Managing its staff capability Learning and Development Diversity and Inclusion Change management HR services and employee well being

Department of Information ServicesThe 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:

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 formBefore 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 formApplication 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-listingAfter 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.

InterviewsThe interview panel is normally made up of three, occasionally four people, who each ask the candidate questions. The questions are intended to expand on your application and to demonstrate to the panel how far you meet the essential requirements of the post. Short-listed candidates may be asked to complete a task or a test either at or before the interview as part of the selection process.

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 disabilitiesThe 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 expensesCandidates 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.

SuggestionsIt 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 applicationAll 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.

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.

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

RecruitmentYou 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 InclusionYou 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 DevelopmentThe 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 responsibilitiesRecruitment

Diversity Team

Supporting the Diversity Managers in taking forward the House Equality Scheme, including assisting with embedding the system of equality impact assessments

Undertake internal and external benchmarking exercises

Build and maintain effective working relationships with training providers through regular communication

Liaise with the response handling agency regarding the effective management of all external applications received for all campaigns

Liaise with Careers Advisors from Universities across the country

Carry out staff inductions

Invigilate tests and other selection exercises as necessary

Conduct pre-employment checks on new appointees

Provide cover for other team members when required

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

Comply with the House of Commons Health and Safety Policy, accompanying codes of practice, official guidance and statutory requirements

Work closely with the campaign Manager to carry out the work of the recruitment team and ensure that critical deadlines are met

Manage the 2015-2016 recruitment campaigns

Participate of the DHRC Sandwich Student selection board as a HR representative

Manage the House of Commons work experience programme

Complete quality, Job Descriptions, Advert copy, Application forms and others relevant to the process

Communicate with House-Wide groups regarding the work of the Diversity team, including writing articles for newsletters

Assist in the organisation of regular equality and diversity events including networking

Organise agendas and take minutes of relevant meetings

Learning and Development

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

Organise and assist with the design, administration and delivery of learning activities for House staff

Liaise with external training providers

Co-coordinating work experience placements and liaising with work experience supervisors

Any other duties related to the post

Project WorkSpecific 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

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

The ability to use effective interpersonal skills with a diverse range of people whilst being tactful and diplomatic

An aptitude to work on your own initiative as well as being able to work flexibly within a team

Update the Corporate Diversity internet site

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

Assist in scoping for inquires

Conducting research

Developing a sound knowledge of relevant subject areas

Written & Oral presentation

Attend committee meetings Preparing briefing material for evidence sessions Organising evidence sessions and briefing witnesses Assist in drafting reports for committee

External

Accompany members on visits in the UK (with other Committee staff)

Attend external events as requested and report back on matters of relevance to the work of the Committee

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

Understands the role and work of Parliament with an understanding of the context in which policy is made

Demonstrate good communication skills; both written and oral

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

The ability to work well in a team

QualificationsCandidates 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 standardsAssist 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 policiesMaintenance of all relevant recordsEnsure all necessary administration is completed to time and within appropriate House

policiesOther duties as necessary

Key responsibilitiesParliamentary 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 ExperienceThe 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-results-uk/.

Overall purpose of the placementAssist 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 staffOther duties as necessary

Skills and experienceThe 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

QualificationsCandidates 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 placementProject 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 ResponsibilityYou 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 AdministrationAs 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

QualificationsCandidates 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 Westminster2. Norman Shaw North3. 1 Derby Gate4. 1 Parliament Street5. 1 Cannon Row6. Norman Shaw South7. Portcullis House8. Broad Sanctuary9. 6/7 Old Palace Yard10. 2 The Abbey Garden11. 1 The Abbey Garden12. Fielden House13. Millbank House (1 & 2)14. 7 Millbank15. 4 Millbank16. 14 Tothill Street17. 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

QualificationsCandidates 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 InformationHoursFull-timeNet 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 AppointmentConfirmation of the appointment will be subject to the satisfactory outcome of the normal pre-employment 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 qualificationsYou 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.

SalaryThe annual salary for the Sandwich Student placements is £16,774 per annum.

Annual LeaveA 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).

EligibilityYou 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.

RegistrationIf 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 AbsenceAbsence 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 ImpartialityStaff 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 ArrangementsPensions QuestionnaireThe 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 GymnasiumMembership to the in-house gymnasium is available, on payment, to employees of the House of Commons.Non-smoking policyA 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.

Back Cover