Benefits

Access to the parliamentary estate, a UNESCO world heritage site  

Working here means being based at the very heart of the UK’s political world – Westminster. It’s a unique location, offering an atmosphere and daily experiences you can’t find elsewhere. As part of your role, you’ll be rewarded with access to one of the most inspiring and iconic workplaces in the country. Have a morning coffee on the House of Lords terrace, walk through Westminster Hall on your lunch break, or even take your friends and family on a personalised tour around the Palace of Westminster – it’s up to you! You’ll also be able to access Westminster Abbey for free.

An opportunity to be part of historical events

 The Palace of Westminster is a national focal point, regularly hosting historical events such as the State Opening of Parliament, visits from international dignitaries and talks from notable figures within the chambers of the House of Commons and House of Lords. As a member of the parliamentary community, you’ll be able to apply for tickets to attend and be a part of history in the making.

Flexible working opportunities 

Being based at the heart of the UK’s political landscape means that all our roles involve at least some time spent working in Westminster, with certain positions requiring full-time attendance on the Parliamentary Estate. This ensures colleagues are closely connected to the people, places and events that shape our work. At the same time, we recognise that flexibility matters. We offer a wide range of flexible working arrangements – including hybrid working, part-time hours, compressed working patterns and job shares – and we encourage discussions about what might work best for you and your team. We also recognise that careers are not always linear, so we offer career breaks, and support secondments that allow colleagues to broaden their skills and experience.  

Generous annual and special leave 

We understand that you need time to recharge and focus on life outside of work.  You’ll get a very generous annual leave allowance of 30 days, which increases to 35 days after a year.  
Alongside our generous annual leave entitlement, we offer enhanced special leave provisions, including: 

• paid statutory leave, including Carer’s leave and Emergency Caring leave 
• a comprehensive range of discretionary special leave, designed to support colleagues though life’s needs and challenges, such as paid Bereavement leave, emergency domestic leave and observance of religious festivals

Family leave and pay 

We offer maternity, adoption and paternity support as part of our commitment to colleague wellbeing. Our enhanced family friendly policies ensure that parents are supported before, during and after their leave, with flexibility to help them balance work and family life. Eligible colleagues can benefit from 26 weeks of full pay maternity and adoption leave, or six weeks of full pay paternity leave.  

We also provide support for: 

• neonatal leave and pay 
• fostering, including foster-to-adopt arrangements 
• fertility treatment  
• carers of dependants of all ages 
• loss of pregnancy 

Our approach is complemented by clear guidance at every stage and a workplace culture that encourages open conversations around individual needs. 

The chance to be a part of the parliamentary community  

You’ll reach every corner of the parliamentary community. From our award-winning catering team to colleagues responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of our historic site, you’ll work with people who spend their days researching and providing briefings for the major items of business for the House, and others who ensure that Parliament is kept safe and secure. 

Learning and development 

We encourage our colleagues to prioritise their development and to build their skills and capability. We have a dedicated team that supports learning and career development and provide access to in‑house and external workshops, training events, coaching and mentoring, and e‑learning.

There are opportunities to study for professional qualifications relevant to your role, supported by the House of Lords, including study leave to help you balance your professional development with work and home. We also support colleagues with the cost of professional subscriptions that are required for their role, ensuring you can stay connected to your profession and maintain up‑to‑date expertise.

Health and wellbeing 

Our dedicated health and wellbeing team works across Parliament to ensure that our colleagues have access to the tools they need to stay fit and healthy. Their services include: 

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, providing mental health and wellbeing support
• regular wellbeing events  
• Parliamentary Occupational Health services  
• dedicated Workplace Adjustments Manager 
• annual flu vaccination clinic available to all staff
• free eye tests for anyone who uses DSE as part of their role (selected providers)  

Inclusive culture and workplace  

We are committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive culture for all our employees.  Our Inclusion and Diversity team support with workplace adjustments and our Workplace Equality Networks can also provide support and a safe space for ideas to be discussed and issues to be raised.

We have an on-site workplace nursery and a multi-faith prayer room and chapel. We also provide support for colleagues with a range of experiences and diversity characteristics, such as through our Neurodiversity Guidance, and our Inclusion Passport tool which helps colleagues and managers agree informal flexible working arrangements and workplace adjustments. 

Civil Service Pension Scheme  

We offer access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme, providing colleagues with valuable options to support their long-term financial wellbeing. If this is your first time working for a public sector employer, you can choose between alpha - a career average pension scheme, and partnership- a defined contribution pension. More information can be found on Member Hub.

These pension options ensure colleagues have access to a secure, rewarding, and well supported scheme, helping build financial confidence now and in the future. 

Additional benefits 

In addition to the above, we also offer a range of other benefits, including:  

• salary loans including bicycle purchase and season tickets 
• an on-site gym, hairdressers, post office, travel office, cash machines, cafés, bars and restaurants 
• access to mentoring programmes or volunteering to be a mentor  
• close working relationships with Trade Unions