Vacancies

On-Site Parliamentary Committee Loggers (for applicants based within the UK only)

The Transcription Agency, a VIQ Solutions Company, is a leader in the speech-to-text editing industry with a longstanding history of providing recording and editing services globally and throughout the UK. We are seeking a number of On-Site Parliamentary Committee Loggers to join our company within our Houses of Parliament team. Successful applicants will predominantly be working on-site at the Houses of Parliament but some occasional work logging remotely from home may be required. Please note that meetings will be broadcast live and recorded, so you may appear on camera in the public domain (Parliament TV).

In this role, you will attend meetings of parliamentary select committees to provide an accurate, chronological, clear log and to observe what is going on. You will need to identify each Member who speaks and note in full his or her opening words as well as note any remarks made off-microphone and any references to, for example, proper names, places, technical terms and quotes, so that our editing team can produce an accurate transcript of proceedings, with speakers correctly identified. You will be the eyes and ears of the department, so attention to detail and awareness of what is happening all around you will be essential.

Select committees are small groups of MPs or members of the House of Lords that are set up to investigate a particular detail or to perform a specific scrutiny role. They work in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and run inquiries on different topics to check and report on areas ranging from the work of government departments to economic affairs. They may call in officials and experts for questioning and can demand information from the government.

As an On-Site Parliamentary Committee Logger, you will get to watch debates on topics like women wearing high heels to work, and even sit in on the scrutiny of landmark legislation, such as the Same Sex Marriage Act. You may even experience high-profile inquiries on subjects like tackling childhood obesity (championed by Jamie Oliver). No two committees will be the same and you may encounter content that is of a sensitive and challenging nature, so this role is best suited to those with a strong disposition. The witnesses called will come from all over the world and all walks of life, so it is essential you are comfortable and confident with all accents and dialects.

This job isn’t just ‘a bit of logging,’ it’s the production of an accurate speaker log, delivered promptly. Excellent hearing, attention to detail, the ability to discern between speakers and manage resources effectively are therefore an absolute must. Our entire team consists of dedicated, loyal, conscientious, and extremely skilled individuals who are committed to ensuring that our high level of quality and service is upheld and maintained.

Applicants should be able to work independently as this is a solo role. They should be self-motivated and value a flexible work schedule. This position will not suit as a sole income but would be advantageous for someone who wants to add to an existing income as the work is one or two days per week on an ad-hoc basis and only available during times when Parliament is sitting, which is approximately 150 days of the year. Successful applicants should have regular availability of at least two days a week within these periods and this role is only suited to those who live in, or close to, Central London and have a fast and reliable commute. You can find current parliamentary session dates here to provide an idea of this timetable. They tend to follow the academic year, although, please note, they change annually: https://whatson.parliament.uk/nonsittingperiods/.

Successful applicants will work on-site and represent VIQ Solutions (UK), so smart presentation and good hygiene are essential. The dress code on site is formal casual attire and you will be liaising with people from all backgrounds, so building connections and effective communication to create and maintain positive, professional and respectful internal and external working relationships through effective and appropriate communications is essential.

During training you will attend your first couple of select committees with a senior member of the team but will later work alone. We can offer successful applicants competitive rates of pay (you will receive an attendance fee as well as a contribution to travel costs, paid monthly in arrears via a Bacs payment into a UK bank account) and provide all the equipment that will be needed. All we ask is that you are available for a minimum of two days per week. Committees typically take place on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, between the hours of 9am and 6pm, and the length of meetings varies between 45 minutes to three hours, but you will not know how long it will be in advance as it will depend on how much depth they go into and how succinct the speakers are on the day. We will usually let you know on a Thursday what day/s you will be required for the following week so you can plan other commitments around your schedule.

Essential Selection Criteria

Applicants must:

• be fluent in English and have the ability to decipher multiple voices and various accents.
• have excellent listening and concentration skills, with the ability to work autonomously.
• be 100% reliable, possess excellent time management skills and have a mature and professional approach to work. Whilst the work is flexible to fit around your schedule, we require 100% reliability once you have accepted an individual assignment.
• be committed to ensuring confidentiality and information security is adhered to and maintained. This will involve signing Non-Disclosure Agreements, completing a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (including the provision of identity documents) and completing Information Security assessments and questionnaires. Applicants will be required to meet, maintain, and adhere to all requirements, processes and protocols around information security and data protection.
• have audio typing experience in order that the ability to focus on proceedings at the same time as typing is second nature.
• have a moderate typing speed; we recommend a minimum of 70 wpm (whilst a fast typing speed is not essential, it is beneficial as you will be typing live speech)
• be available for a minimum of 2 days per week during Parliamentary sitting periods.
• live within the United Kingdom, preferably within a short commute of the Houses of Parliament.
• be aged 18 or over.

Experience in political and current affairs will be well regarded but is not essential.

Applicants without logging experience but who meet the above criteria, are capable, enthusiastic, and quick to learn are encouraged to apply.

Application process.

If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for, then please complete the application form found HERE.

If your application form is accepted, you will be required to edit an assessment transcript as part of your application to demonstrate your logging skills.

Please note: –

• On-Site Parliamentary Committee Loggers are self-employed and are therefore responsible for their own tax and National Insurance contributions.
• Please bear in mind that meetings will be broadcast live and recorded, so you may appear on camera in the public domain (Parliament TV).
• All applicants will be required to provide evidence of right to work in the UK and proof of identity in order to complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Only original documents will be accepted. Failure to provide these when requested will result in your application being rejected.

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