Parliamentary Assistant & Researcher

Work at the very heart of the Big Issue and Lord Bird’s fight to end poverty.


Lord John Bird - cross bench peer, founder and Editor-in-chief of the Big Issue and committed campaigner in the fight to end poverty - is looking for a highly motivated individual to support his work in and around parliament, enabling the smooth running of his parliamentary office, support his work on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, facilitate parliamentary interventions, manage parliamentary events, and accompany him to meetings.


This is a role with real impact. Based in Lord Bird’s Westminster office you will also work closely with the team at the Big Issue Group (based in Finsbury Park) to develop and build policy and media opportunities.


You will be a self-starter with previous Parliamentary experience - with an understanding of political advocacy, parliamentary processes and the ability to work across party boundaries, be a clear and confident communicator, have strong demonstrable research skills and possess an understanding and passion for the work of the Big Issue Group and Lord Bird.


For a full list of key responsibilities and tasks, cores skills and experiences required as well as a background to the Big Issue Group and a full list of Staff Benefits - please see the Job Pack below.


Salary and Benefits offered

• Salary - £30,000 - £35,000 per annum - for full time.
• Incremental holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff) plus paid leave to care for a sick child or grandchild and a sick or elderly relation
• Company Sick Pay
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Training and development opportunities including an open learning library and management training schemes
• Health benefits include life cover, a health cash plan scheme which provides access to counselling and a range of therapies
• Access to Blue Light Card benefits scheme.
• Please note that we reserve the right to review and amend our staff benefits and they do not form part of any contract of employment

Workplace details


This role is based at Lord Birds Westminster office 3 to 4 days per week and the Big Issue Groups Head Office at Finsbury park. Regular travel will also be required when accompanying Lord Bird to meetings.


Closing date - 05th September 2025 (23:59pm) - Interviews and shortlisting may take place before the advertised closing date so please apply asap.


Big Issue Group is striving towards Equal Opportunities. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our sector, such as women in senior roles, and people with disabilities and from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.


Since 1991, the Big Issue has fought poverty by creating opportunities and supporting people to take control of their lives. Over time our organisation has grown and now the Big Issue Group consists of the Big Issue Media Ltd, Big Issue Invest Ltd, our social investment arm, and Big Issue Impact Ltd.


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