Laura-Jane Tiley
Current Employer/Organisation Name
House of Commons
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
I did one year as President of the Students’ Guild in Exeter. I then applied for the Civil Service Fast Stream where I secured a place on the House of Commons Graduate Scheme. I have trained and qualified as a Parliamentary Clerk, the main responsibilities of which are providing impartial advice to Members of Parliament on parliamentary procedure and supporting them to scrutinise Government policy.
As a Clerk, I have undertaken a number of roles in the Commons including: Deputy Clerk on the Scottish Affairs Committee, Deputy Clerk on the Public Accounts Committee and Private Secretary to the Deputy Speakers. I then did a secondment to the Cabinet Office where I was Private Secretary and Parliamentary Advisor to the Leader of the House, the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP.
I then returned to the House and was appointed to the role of Head of Member Liaison. I am responsible for managing the House’s relationship with the senior leaders of all political parties, via the Whips and party leadership. I advise House officials on how to engage with Members and advocate to the House Administration on Member issues. I also lead the House’s by-election process and induct new MPs. I am the Secretary to the Women’s Caucus and the Members’ Accessibility Group.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
My time as a Sabbatical Officer at Exeter made me passionate about public service and democracy; I found that what motivated me was how to translate the needs of those you represent into concrete and meaningful policy. The Civil Service was therefore a natural progression for me and, ten years later, I do believe I have found my natural professional “home”. The House of Commons is an exciting and interesting place to work, grounded in history while also being the focal point for current political events. I work with intelligent, committed and kind people who love democracy and making sure it works. What motivates me is ensuring that the House of Commons as institution works well for its elected representatives and the people they serve. I work hard to make sure that MPs have the support they need to do their jobs, and find this incredible rewarding.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
President of the Students’ Guild
Societies Officer
Vice President and Co-Founder of the Harry Potter Society
Online News Editor for Exeposé
Humanities Ambassador
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
I really enjoyed the variety of topics that were on offer to us – it allowed me to explore what my interests were. There was also good diversity in how we were taught – I particularly enjoyed theatre and Shakespeare modules where we would workshop scenes.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Excellent course, strong student community and beautiful part of the world.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Get some experience (voluntary or otherwise!) in any area of public service to see if it’s a good fit for your values.
