Specialist Advisers sought for inquiry into Rehabilitation and resettlement: ending the cycle of reoffending

• Justice Committee
• Rehabilitation and resettlement: ending the cycle of reoffending

About the role

The duties of the Specialist Advisers include:

• advising the Committee, orally and in writing, on key issues in policy and legislation related to prisons, probation, and the criminal justice system,
• assisting with the preparation of written briefing material and lines of questioning for oral evidence sessions,
• assisting in reviewing and analysing oral and written evidence and;
• contributing to a draft report, in particular advising on matters of factual and technical accuracy as well as tone.

The work is likely to be unevenly distributed over time, but you would be expected to work no more than 2-4 days per month on a flexible basis, although in practical terms the workload may be less at different times, depending on the Committee’s programme.

A proportion of the role can be fulfilled remotely; however, you will be expected to attend meetings for which your expertise is relevant, including evidence sessions and some private deliberative meetings to consider programmes of work or draft reports. Time and expenses will be payable. A daily fee is paid to Advisers on the basis of an established scale, plus reasonable expenses, for example for travel to and from Westminster if necessary (further information available on application).

Requirements of the role

Candidates for the Specialist Adviser role will need to demonstrate the following:

• Significant experience or knowledge of the criminal justice system, particularly (but not limited to) knowledge regarding prisons and the probation service.
• A broad understanding, gained through personal or professional experience, of policy issues relating to the rehabilitation and resettlement of offenders.
• Credibility and authority within policy, academic, or social care sectors.
• Experience of advising and influencing at a senior level in a politically impartial manner and dealing with challenge.
• Ability to provide objective, evidence-based analysis and advice to tight deadlines.
• Experience of analysing and interpreting data and statistics within this policy area.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

How to apply

Individuals who wish to be considered for appointment should send a brief CV—no more than three pages, a short covering letter of no more than 500 words, and a declaration of relevant interests to justicecom@parliament.uk by 5pm on Friday 14 February. Interviews are expected to take place in w/c 24 February via Microsoft Teams, with a view to the Committee confirming appointment as soon as possible after this date.

The covering letter, which should be addressed to the Chair of the Justice Committee, should set out the candidate's relevant expertise, give an indication of the amount of time they could realistically devote to Committee work, and confirm the ability to take on work at short notice if required.

The declaration of interests should include anything that a reasonable person might consider could influence the advice which might be given to the Committee: for example, active membership of a campaign group or relevant financial arrangement. Declared interests from successful applicants will be published. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the right to work in the UK.

The Justice Committee is committed to hearing from a diverse range of voices. We strongly encourage applications from those with protected characteristics or lived experience.

For further information or to discuss the role, contact the Committee secretariat: justicecom@parliament.uk

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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