Chief of Staff – London, SW1A

We are looking for a Chief of Staff for the new Clerk of the Parliaments, who takes up post from 1 April 2026. This new post will play a key role in delivering the House of Lords Administration’s strategy, improving organisational performance, and advising the Clerk on business cases and urgent matters to support the UK’s parliamentary democracy. A second senior vacancy, Clerk of Legislation, is being recruited in parallel.

Working closely with the Lords Management Board and the Usual Channels to drive corporate priorities and change, leading the governance team, representing the House of Lords on parliament-wide programmes and services, this is an exciting opportunity in a fast-paced environment to ensure we deliver excellent services to members and the House of Lords.

The successful candidate will need a successful track record in working in a complex environment and using sound judgment to provide impartial and robust advice. We are looking for a values-led leader who can motivate colleagues within a high-pressure environment, deliver novel solutions to complex issues (on time, to budget, and to a high standard) and balance competing priorities.

Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, with proven experience of working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, including very senior colleagues. You need (or need to be able to quickly develop) an understanding of the constitutional context that the House of Lords works in, and the needs of our members, the House of Lords Administration and UK Parliament.

If this sounds like something you would like to hear more about, please apply below:

What you’ll get in return

• 30 days annual leave (increasing to 35 after one years’ service)
• Generous pension scheme
• Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme
• Opportunities to work from home, particularly in parliamentary recesses
• The opportunity to witness history in the making!

The work we do is vital to House of Lords, and you will be a pivotal member in the team strengthening the work of the House. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK parliament. It is independent from and complements the work of the House of Commons to:

• Make laws
• Check and challenge the actions of the government through questions and debates
• Investigate public policy and provide a forum of independent expertise

Please complete your online application by 12 noon on Monday 23 February 2026

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact HLRecruitment@parliament.uk.

Candidates are usually appointed at the minimum of the salary range

The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all candidates with diverse characteristics, including different ages, caring responsibilities, disability, sex, gender reassignment/trans, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments.