The position has existed since at least 1315, and duties include preparing the minutes of Lords proceedings, advising on proper parliamentary procedure and pronouncing royal assent.

[8] The position has existed since at least 1315, when records from the parliament held by Edward II at Lincoln make reference to a clerk nominated by the king to serve as a "special deputy".

[12] The Clerk of the Parliaments is appointed by letters patent from the sovereign, who also holds the sole power to remove him or her.

When at the table the Clerk wears court dress (including a tail coat and waistcoat), a gown and a wig.

As well as providing advice on procedure, the clerk also prepares the minutes of proceedings in the Lords, signs all official documents and communications, returns bills to the House of Commons and pronounces royal assent.