1. I work for Hansard.

2. I record and transcript Assembly meetings.

3. I produce the Minutes of Evidence from evidence sessions with withnesses.

My seat is at the head of the Assembly Chamber, where I am the chairperson for plenary sessions of the Assembly, calling Members to speak on debates. I keep order, making sure MLAs respect to the rules of the Chamber - a bit like a referee! I must remain neutral at all times.

When a Minister, MLA or Committee want to propose a new law, I check it is a devolved matter – that is an area Northern Assembly has the power to make laws about. I also check with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission that the proposed new law, called a Bill, would treat everyone equally if passed and wouldn’t deny anyone their human rights.

It is my job to receive VIP visitors to the Assembly, including Prime Ministers, Presidents and celebrities. I also promote the work of the Assembly by attending events like the Balmoral Show and hosting occasions like the Speaker’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

What career path led you to your current role?
I am an MLA and other MLAs elect me to do this job on a cross community basis. They trust me to be a neutral chairperson to a power sharing government and provide leadership in representing the Assembly.

MLAs can come to a political career from a wide variety of backgrounds. I was first elected as a local councillor and became Mayor before my election to the Assembly. I have also served on a range of bodies in the statutory and voluntary sector.

I make sure MLAs on the Assembly Committee I advise have the information they need to scrutinise Bills, holding Ministers and their Departments to account. My role includes researching issues the Committee is looking at and providing procedural advice to the Committee Chairperson and MLAs. I assist the Chair and Committee members to write Committee Reports and speeches.

As well as working with MLAs, I manage staff in the administrative support services. I also liaise with officials from Government Departments, the public and the media.

What career path led you to your current role?
I held a number of management positions before joining the Assembly. I completed a Masters degree in Business Administration and have always had a strong interest in politics and current affairs. My work demands attention to detail and accuracy, as the Assembly Committee I advise depend on me to provide reliable information.

My role is part of the Office of the Official Report team present at meetings of the Assembly and its Committees. I identify each Member who speaks and provide an accurate, grammatically correct transcript of what is said. I use a computer to produce my report, based on a sound recording I make during the meeting.

Sometimes I undertake research. I also provide editorial services. It is important that I keep up to date with current political affairs. Quite often, I find myself working under pressure because of strict deadlines.

What career path led you to your current role?
People in the Office of the Official Report come from a wide variety of backgrounds. I have a degree in History and Politics, while my colleagues may have studied other subjects like English or Economics. My previous roles include work as an editor/writer for an online magazine, as well as a Research Assistant. I am good with computers, but I did require training to become confident operating the sound recording system at Parliament Buildings.

I make sure MLAs on the Assembly Committee I advise have the information they need to scrutinise Bills, holding Ministers and their Departments to account. My role includes researching issues the Committee is looking at and providing procedural advice to the Committee Chairperson and MLAs. I assist the Chair and Committee members to write Committee Reports and speeches.

As well as working with MLAs, I manage staff in the administrative support services. I also liaise with officials from Government Departments, the public and the media.

What career path led you to your current role?
I held a number of management positions before joining the Assembly. I completed a Masters degree in Business Administration and have always had a strong interest in politics and current affairs. My work demands attention to detail and accuracy, as the Assembly Committee I advise depend on me to provide reliable information.

I provide support for MLAs working in the Assembly Chamber or Assembly Committees. This might involve tasks such as delivering messages. I also provide general information to MLAs, staff and members of the public.

I carry out reception duties, issuing and checking security passes. Security awareness is one of my responsibilities. In the event of an incident, I provide assistance during an evacuation. I also manage the flow of visitors to the public galleries of the Chamber and Committee rooms, as well as collecting, sorting and delivering mail.

What career path led you to your current role?
I was a seasonal tour guide for the National Trust and I have worked as a receptionist in the hospitality industry. Reception work can involve being part of a security team. Incidents I have experienced encouraged me to develop specialist training in this area. I like to be aware of the safety of the people around me and make sure they enjoy their visit in a secure and pleasant environment.