About HOC
The House of Commons Service supports the House and its MPs in performing their parliamentary duties, and provides public access and information to help increase understanding of the role of Parliament.
We work for Parliament rather than the Government, so employees are not civil servants - but our terms and conditions are very similar. We employ around 1700 staff across five departments, each providing its own specialist advice and resources. We are all passionate about our work, and we seek out talented individuals who share our enthusiasm and can bring the skills and experience we need to help us provide the best possible services.
Our staff work in a range of different roles and at all levels. But no matter where you find yourself or what you're doing, you will be working in a stimulating and unique environment at the very heart of democracy in the United Kingdom.
The House is committed to provide a work environment that is fair to all and where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. The House of Commons Service recognises and values the diversity of its staff and is committed to developing working practices which will allow every member of staff to contribute his or her best, regardless of race, sex, marital status, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or any other irrelevant factor.
The House of Commons Service
The House of Commons Service is divided into five departments:
- Chamber and Committee Services
- Facilities
- Information Services
- HR and Change
- Finance
There is also a small office of the Chief Executive which supports the Clerk of the House in his role as Chief Executive, the Accounting and Corporate Officer, and the Management Board in its strategic leadership of the House of Commons
Each department provides specific services to MPs, their staff and the public. The Management Board oversees the House Service and is attended by the Director General of each department and the Clerk of the House. The service is ultimately accountable to the Speaker and the House of Commons Commission.
Click on the House of Commons department titles for more information:
The Department of Chamber and Committee Services provides secretariat, advice, procedural, reporting, security and other services that support the work of the Chamber and committees. It also supports the House's international relations. This includes work such as:
- Ceremonial duties
- Maintaining the security of the Chamber (Serjeant at Arms)
- Using specialist skills and knowledge to support MPs in the scrutiny of government work
- Advising on the progress of Acts of Parliament
- Advising MPs on procedures and rules of the House
- Reporting on what is said in the Chamber and publishing it in an agreed format
The Department of Facilities manages the Parliamentary Estate and provides a safe and functioning environment for everyone working in or visiting Parliament. This includes long term estate planning, the provision of expert advice on the preservation of the Palace of Westminster as a World Heritage Site, planning and delivery of maintenance work, placing contracts and management of capital projects. This includes :
- Maintaining and restoring the historic buildings on the estate
- Preparing and delivering to the catering needs of staff and supporting functions
- Providing reception and attendant services, managing room moves and furnishings
The Catering and Retail Services arm of the department provides meals, refreshments and banqueting services and manages the souvenir kiosks.
The Department of Finance provides finance, payroll and commercial services to the House service. This includes jobs in areas such as:
- Financial management
- Commercial services
- Pensions
- Savings
The Department of Information Services informs the work of the House and its Members and provides information and access to the public. This includes work such as:
- Public enquiry services
- Supporting MPs by providing research support and briefing materials
- Library services
- Outreach services
- Parliamentary education
- Visitor services
- Web and Intranet
- Media support
- Managing the works of art
The Department of Human Resources and Change supports the House Service in:
- Managing its staff capability
- Learning and Development
- Diversity
- Change management
- HR services and employee well being
Integrity
We serve the House of Commons, its Committees and Members, and the public, with honesty, probity and political impartiality.
Professionalism
We strive for excellence, effectiveness, efficiency and accuracy, remaining always open-minded on the prospects for better ways of delivering our services. We seek to be responsive to changing requirements, and to be outward looking.
Teamwork
We value a co-operative approach, based on mutual support, trust and respect.
Recognition
We are committed to maximising personal development, to valuing diversity and the contribution of all individuals, and to equality of opportunity.
Commitment
We seek to ensure that the House of Commons is a good place to work, recognising the importance of maintenance of work-life balance, and seeking to get the most out of the jobs we do.
