The House of Lords Social Mobility Work Experience Programme will offer students the opportunity to go beyond the headlines and experience Parliament from the inside. Over one exciting week, participants will explore how the House of Lords operates.
The programme includes:
- Working alongside professionals in key departments
- Taking part in hands-on tasks and real workplace activities
- Shadowing staff and seeing how different roles come together behind the scenes
- Joining interactive workshops designed to build your skills and confidence.
What you’ll gain:
- A clear understanding of careers in Parliament
- Practical workplace experience you can talk about in applications
- Confidence, connections and inspiration.
Whether you’re curious about politics, interested in public service or just want to try something new, this programme could be for you.
Offices involved
Property and Office Services
This team is responsible for front of house services, houskeeping, heritage cleaning and accommodation as well as managing contracts for the parliamentary estate and supporting work on ceremonial events and maintenance projects.
Black Rod’s department
The team plays a leading role in all ceremonial events such as the State Opening of Parliament and state visits, as well as supporting the day to day running of the House of Lords and controlling access to the chamber.
Clerk of the Parliament’s Office
The office supports the Clerk of the Parliaments to carry out their duties as head of the Administration, plus other key officeholders such as the Senior Deputy Speaker, Convenor of the Crossbench Peers, Clerk Assistant and Chief Operating Officer. The office also includes teams responsible for governance, internal audit, interparliamentary relations, and Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster.
Committees
The Commitee Office provides support for Lords select committees; small groups of members investigating areas of public policy. The team provides committees with the policy, procedural, logistical, administrative and legal support they need to carry out their work.
Communications
Communications is responsible for explaining the role and work of the House of Lords to the public, increasing awareness and improving understanding of the the value it adds. The team includes press and media, digital communications, engagement, public enquiries and internal communications.
How to apply
For full details and to submit your application, visit the Futures for All website https://finder.futuresforall.org/opportunity-detail/6F87378B-EBBA-4F4A-04AD-08DE8A5A1670
The deadline to apply is Wednesday 22 April 2026.
About the House of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper chamber of the UK Parliament. It is independent from, and complements the work of, the elected House of Commons. The Lords shares the task of making and shaping laws and checking and challenging the work of the government.
