[Hiring] Parliamentary and Policy Researcher @National Church Institutions

Role Description

The Church of England has a unique role in the education system, providing around 20% of all schools (around 4700 schools). Its national work is overseen by the National Society for Education (Church of England & Church in Wales), working closely in partnership with Diocesan Boards of Education, school and trust leaders, alongside strategic leaders in the FE and HE sectors.

The NSE is chaired by the Bishop of Portsmouth, who has also sat in the House of Lords since December 2025. He regularly speaks in debates and works across the House with a wide range of peers, also working very closely with ministers, particularly in the Department for Education. This role is to provide parliamentary and policy support to him and a range of other Lords Spiritual who will speak on education issues.

The role sits inside the NSE team, line managed by the Head of Education Policy, and then working closely with the wider team of other Parliamentary and Policy Researchers across the wider Church of England. It provides an excellent opportunity for someone looking to support the Church’s work in education at the most strategic level.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 3rd August 2026. Interviews will be held virtually on Thursday 6th August 2026. Please note that you will not be able to view the role description after the closing date. We suggest that you save a copy of this page before you submit your application.

Qualifications

• Experience in parliamentary and policy support.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Requirements

• Commitment to the values of the Church of England.
• Understanding of the education sector.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Benefits

• Inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Supportive team environment.

Company Description

The National Church Institutions comprises a wide variety of teams, professions and functions that support the mission and ministries of the Church of England in its vision to be a church, centred on Jesus Christ, for the whole nation - a church that is simpler, humbler, bolder.

• We Include. You Belong.
• Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute.
• We strive for excellence, show compassion, respect others, collaborate, and act with integrity.
• We welcome applications from people of all faiths and of no faith.