Committees

DCMS Committee require two specialist advisers for broadcasting inquiry

3 March 2020

The House of Commons, Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee (DCMS) is looking for two specialist advisers for its inquiry into public service broadcasting. This part-time, flexible role will be to supplement existing internal expertise, providing advice to staff and MPs (for example, making input to briefing documents, advising on useful background information and the strategic direction of the inquiry).

The Committee

The DCMS Committee monitors the policy, administration and expenditure of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and its associated bodies, including the BBC. Inquires carried out by the previous Committee include Disinformation and ‘fake news', BBC pay, Live music, Reality TV, and Sport governance. The Committee is chaired by Julian Knight MP.

The role and eligibility

We are looking for motivated and confident specialist advisers who can work well within a small team and have the following skills:

  • Proven expertise in the subject, with applications particularly welcomed from (but not limited to) experts in media, communications and journalism;
  • Ability to provide feedback and comment on a variety of draft written products, using research/academic skills to ensure robust analysis of evidence;
  • Experience of working with policymakers and interacting with Parliament, charities, think tanks and other governmental bodies;
  • Knowledge about useful organisations and individuals who can provide evidence;
  • Ability to advise the Committee Chair, Members and staff on issues within the sector;
  • Understanding of safeguarding and supporting vulnerable groups; and
  • The ability to explain complex information clearly and succinctly.

Time commitment

These posts will run from April for up to one year. Advisers are expected to work no more than two days in a week on a flexible basis, although in practical terms the workload may be substantially less. A daily honorarium is paid to advisers on the basis of an established scale (further information available on application).

Application process

Applicants should send their CV/portfolio to cmscom@parliament.uk and a short covering letter outlining:

  • Your expertise regarding the public service broadcasting sector, including technical knowledge of PSB models, frameworks and financing;
  • Previous examples of your work in a policy context and your understanding of the work carried out by select committees;
  • The amount of time you can commit to the inquiry;
  • Your ability to take on work at short notice if required.

If your application is successful, you will be asked to declare any interests. These will be published on the Committee's website.

The Committee values diversity and encourages applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds.

The deadline for applications is 12pm on Monday 16 March 2020. Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 23 March 2020 in Westminster, with a view to the Committee confirming appointment by the end of March 2020.

Contacts for Enquiries and Applications

If you require additional information about the post, please contact Chloe Challender, Clerk (challenderc@parliament.uk).

Further information

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