External Commissioner

External Commissioner - House of Commons Commission

What you'll be doing

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.

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.

Terms:

• £16,500 per year (plus £2,600 for Audit Committee Chair).
• 25 days per year.
• Three year term, with the possibility of up to another two years.
• CTC level security clearance required.
• UK residency requirement applies.

What we're looking for.

• 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.

Next Steps and Additional Information

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.