External Commissioner

Job summary

Join one of the most influential governance bodies in the UK Parliament. The House of Commons Commission provides strategic leadership to the House Administration, a 3,000-strong, politically impartial organisation supporting MPs, Committees and the wider public.

Job description

We’re seeking two External Commissioners to bring senior leadership experience, challenge, and insight to Parliament’s strategic decision‑making. One of the two new External Commissioners will be identified as the Audit Committee Chair from October 2026, and will join the Commission earlier to allow for handover from the current Chair. The role of the Chair is particularly crucial and needs to build good working relationships with Commissioners and senior House officials.

Both External Commissioners will join the Audit Committees at the earliest practical opportunity in 2026.

What you’ll do

• Provide independent, high‑level oversight and strategic advice to the Commission.
• Work closely with senior Parliamentary officials and Members.
• Sit on the House of Commons Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (and from 2026, chair it if appointed to the Chair role).
• Support governance, assurance and decision‑making at the heart of UK democracy.

Person specification

• Senior executive leadership in a complex organisation.
• Strong non‑executive experience, with proven judgement on sensitive and complex issues.
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to navigate high‑stakes stakeholder environments.
• A commitment to impartiality, diversity and inclusion.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

The External Commissioners will be selected on the basis of a combination of a written application and an interview.

All applicants are required to provide the following:

• A CV (maximum three sides of A4) including any unpaid or community achievements.
• A supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) giving evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the criteria for the role. Please provide specific examples of how your experience will support you in the role on the Commission, Client Board and Audit Committees.
• A conflict of interest form. Please give details of any business or other interests or any personal connections which, if you are appointed, could be misconstrued or cause embarrassment. Any particular conflicts of interest detailed here will not prevent you from going forward to interview, but may, if appropriate, be explored with you during your interview to establish how you would address the issue(s) should you be successful in your application. This form is attached to the advert.
• The political activity declaration. For background on this, see the ‘Eligibility’ section on the Candidate Pack. This form is attached to the advert.

For more information on the role and the application process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : House of Commons Recruitment Team
• Email : Recruitment@parliament.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Recruitment@parliament.uk

Attachments

External Commissioner – House of Commons Commission - Candidate Pack Opens in new window (docx, 107kB)