Principal Private Secretary to the House of Lords Business Managers
Principal Private Secretary to the House of Lords Business Managers

Principal Private Secretary to the House of Lords Business Managers

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Cabinet Office

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage government legislation and facilitate communication between opposition and government in the House of Lords.
  • Company: The House of Lords, a key part of the UK Parliament.
  • Benefits: Full-time role with job share options and a competitive salary.
  • Why this job: Play a vital role in shaping parliamentary business and influencing government decisions.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in political or legislative environments.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities to engage in high-level political processes.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Overview: If successful for this role you will be based in The House of Lords, London and the successful candidate will be required to work on-site whenever the House is in session.

Working Pattern: Full time, Job share

Job Summary: The Office of the House of Lords Business Managers, part of the Government in Parliament Group within the Cabinet Office, is structured into three sections: a) the Leader's private office, b) the Chief Whip's private office and outer office (handling business management and members), and c) the Whips' office (providing Personal Assistance and limited Private Secretary support to six additional whips, each representing several government departments). Beyond private office support and facilitating Ministers' roles in the Royal Household, the office performs two main functions: business management (scheduling legislation and other business) and providing advice to Ministers and Whitehall on the Lords’ handling of constitutional and parliamentary business, including procedure and practice. Given the business managers' role in Parliament, their private offices are central to the interface between government, parliament, and party politics. The Principal Private Secretary reports to the First Parliamentary Counsel, acting as head of office. This role involves managing fifteen staff (plus oversight of four Special Advisers) and a budget of around £1,700,000.

In addition to standard Principal Private Secretary duties, this role has specific responsibilities: personally managing the programme of Government primary legislation in the House of Lords under the principal's direction, and serving as the main official channel of communication between opposition and government business managers in the Lords (known as "the usual channels").

Principal Private Secretary to the House of Lords Business Managers employer: Cabinet Office

The House of Lords offers a unique and rewarding work environment at the heart of British democracy, where employees can engage directly with the legislative process and contribute to significant national discussions. With a strong emphasis on professional development, staff are encouraged to grow their skills within a supportive culture that values collaboration and public service. Working in London, employees benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere, alongside the opportunity to influence parliamentary business and support government operations.
Cabinet Office

Contact Detail:

Cabinet Office Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Private Secretary to the House of Lords Business Managers

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the House of Lords. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the role and the office's current projects. Familiarise yourself with recent legislation and parliamentary procedures. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you feel more confident when discussing how you can contribute.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your organisational skills! As a Principal Private Secretary, you'll need to manage multiple tasks and staff. Bring examples of how you've successfully handled complex schedules or projects in the past to the table during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that suit your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Private Secretary to the House of Lords Business Managers

Leadership Skills
Budget Management
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management
Legislative Knowledge
Parliamentary Procedure
Organisational Skills
Advisory Skills
Team Management
Political Acumen
Problem-Solving Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Time Management
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Private Secretary role. Highlight your experience in managing teams and handling complex schedules, as these are key aspects of the job.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on any previous roles that involved business management or parliamentary procedures. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is crucial. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cabinet Office

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the workings of the House of Lords and the role of the Principal Private Secretary. Brush up on recent legislation, parliamentary procedures, and the current political landscape. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the position.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves managing a team and overseeing a significant budget, be prepared to discuss your leadership experience. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully led a team or managed a project, and how you handled challenges along the way.

✨Communicate Clearly

As the main channel of communication between various stakeholders, your ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you had to navigate complex communications.

✨Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the role, the team dynamics, and the expectations from the Principal Private Secretary. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.

Principal Private Secretary to the House of Lords Business Managers
Cabinet Office

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