Meet Jonathan Finlay

After studying history at university, I did various jobs back home in Belfast. These included working at a public affairs consultancy, a university, a library, and as a tour guide in a mediaeval castle. I then made the big move to London. My first role in the House of Commons was in the Overseas Office.

I then spent nearly three years as a policy specialist on agriculture, food and flooding in the House of Commons Library. My job included researching and writing briefings, as well as responding to information and research requests from MPs. My time was shared with work as a specialist for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, where I helped MPs on the Committee do their job in making recommendations and holding the Government to account. In my current role I’m managing an internal project focusing on career pathways.

I’ve made a real difference by providing elected representatives with information and analysis that helps them serve their constituents and the country. The people who work in Parliament are its greatest asset, so it’s also a privilege to know that my current work will help to make the most of their talents. It can be challenging to deal with complex issues within often tight timescales – but this just contributes to Parliament being such an exciting and rewarding place to work.