Support Officer

Parliamentary Support Officer – Cabinet Office

Salary: £32,750 per annum
Location: Westminster, London, SW1A 2AS
Employer: Cabinet Office
Job Type: Permanent
Contract: Full-time
Working Pattern: Full-time, with flexible working options
Vacancies: 3
Job Grade: Administrative Officer
Reference Number: 489460
Closing Date: 20 November 2026, at 11:55 pm
Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert.

Job Overview

The Cabinet Office is recruiting three Parliamentary Support Officers to join the Government Chief Whip’s Private Office and Government Whips’ Administration Unit in Westminster, London.

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of government and Parliament, providing administrative and organisational support to the Government Chief Whip, Government Whips, Private Secretaries and Special Advisers.

Successful candidates will support parliamentary business, coordinate office activities, manage diaries and assist with the delivery of the Government’s legislative programme.

The role is suited to organised, proactive individuals with excellent communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and organisational support to the Government Whips and their teams.
• Distribute parliamentary documents, including Order Papers, Hansards and business statements.
• Assist with Government Whips’ attendance at Public Bill Committees and Delegated Legislation Committees.
• Coordinate All Party Notices, including proofreading and checking documents for accuracy and formatting.
• Manage the authorised absence system for Government backbenchers.
• Analyse and report the results of parliamentary votes.
• Respond to enquiries from MPs, government departments, parliamentary teams and members of the public.
• Prepare daily folders and briefing notes for the Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip and Private Secretaries.
• Support diary management and coordinate official appointments.
• Process ministerial correspondence and manage invitations.
• Arrange travel and accommodation for senior officials and Government Whips.
• Provide administrative support to Special Advisers and undertake other duties as required.

Requirements and Qualifications

The successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Initiative and problem-solving abilities.
• Confidence in building positive working relationships, including with senior colleagues.
• An interest in Parliament and current affairs.

An understanding of parliamentary procedures is desirable.

Security Clearance: Successful candidates must obtain Security Check (SC) clearance. The clearance process can take longer for applicants who have not lived in the UK for five years, and appointment may not be possible in some circumstances.

Working Arrangements

The position is based in Westminster, London.

Cabinet Office policy requires employees to spend at least 60% of their working time at their principal workplace. Depending on business requirements, attendance may be up to 100%.

Longer working hours may be required when the House of Commons is sitting, with overtime payable. Annual leave is generally taken during parliamentary recesses.

Although alternative working patterns can be discussed, the vacancy is advertised as full-time only, and alternative arrangements may not be available.

Salary and Benefits

• Annual salary of £32,750.
• Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• At least 25 days of annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to 30 days.
• Learning and development opportunities tailored to the role.
• Flexible working options.
• Inclusive and diverse working environment.
• Opportunities to gain experience within the heart of government and Parliament.

Selection Process

Recruitment will follow the Civil Service Success Profiles framework.

Applicants will be assessed against the following behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing.
• Delivering at Pace.
• Seeing the Big Picture.
• Making Effective Decisions.

Application Stage:

Candidates will be required to complete behaviour statements as part of their application.

If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift may focus on Communicating and Influencing. Successful applicants may proceed to a full sift or directly to interview.

Expected Recruitment Dates:

• Expected sift: Week commencing 23 November 2026.
• Expected interviews: Week commencing 7 December 2026.
• Interview format: Face-to-face or by video.

A reserve list may be maintained for 12 months.

Eligibility and Nationality Requirements

The vacancy is broadly open to:

• UK nationals.
• Republic of Ireland nationals.
• Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK.
• Eligible EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein nationals.
• Individuals with qualifying settled or pre-settled status or other eligible immigration status.
• Eligible Turkish nationals and certain family members.

Applicants must meet the Civil Service nationality requirements and relevant security clearance conditions.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should review the full job description, eligibility requirements and employment terms before submitting an application.

Applications must be submitted through the official Civil Service Jobs website.

Closing Date: 20 November 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Job Reference: 489460