Career Development at House of Commons

Learning and Development Opportunities and Sponsorship for Professional Qualifications

All staff, managers and leaders can access development to help them thrive, perform and develop at work. From workshops, online resources, career coaching, study leave, apprenticeships and grants, everyone at the House of Commons has an opportunity for personal and career growth through learning.

We support professional qualifications and apprenticeships, including time off for study leave for certain qualifications.

Professional subscriptions

Our employees who are members of a professional body may reclaim the cost of one professional subscription to that body per year subject to the terms and conditions set out in our Staff Expenses Policy.

Reverse mentoring

 Reverse mentoring allows staff from minority ethnic backgrounds to act as mentors to more senior staff. Mentors share their perspective and experiences and in so doing inform those making policy and leadership decisions.

Mentoring and Coaching

Mentoring and Coaching encourages and supports staff to take control of their own learning & development in order to improve their skills, increase their performance and maximise their potential.

A network of career coaches are available to support staff who are driven to take advantage of the development opportunities within the House to progress their careers are also available to help staff progress in their careers.

Inspiring the future

You can pledge just one hour a year to volunteer in a state school or college near where you live or work to talk to young people about your job and career route. All House of Commons and Digital Service staff are eligible to volunteer with Inspiring the Future, including apprentices, interns and sandwich students.

Ambassador Network

The Ambassador Network brings together passionate UK Parliament staff who deliver talks to audiences across the UK. This could be something you do as part of your job role or in your spare time.

The Network is open to all House of Commons, House of Lords and Digital Service staff from all teams and all grades.

Secondments

Secondments are when a member of staff moves temporarily to a role in another department or even another organisation, such as one of the Government departments. This may be for a few weeks or a couple of years.

If you are interested in a secondment to another area you will need to discuss this first with your Line Manager.

House of Commons Library

The Library Loans Service is available to staff of the House (including staff of joint departments) in connection with their work or employer-sponsored courses.