At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team supporting senior officials and influencing high-level decisions.
- Company: Join the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) in a pivotal role.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape government policy.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on departmental leadership and governance at the highest levels.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic judgment and experience working with senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
As a Deputy Director Chief of Staff, you will be managing a 20-30 person, multi-office network supporting a number of senior officials. The team is one of the most dynamic teams in DCMS involved in all aspects of departmental business, supporting the Department’s senior leadership team with a high quality service. Working as part of the wider PO team, Officials Private Office is a close-knit, friendly team working across the whole breadth of the department’s work.
Working closely with DCMS senior leaders, ministerial private offices and policy officials, you will be part of a fast paced team, where you will need to engage regularly with the most senior parts of the department and have a good strategic eye. This is a unique opportunity to influence decisions at the highest levels of government while helping ensure DCMS is operating at its best.
The Chief of Staff provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Permanent Secretary's Office and the network of Director General (DG) Private Offices (PO) across the newly expanded department. The Chief of Staff acts as the Permanent Secretary's principal adviser on corporate and cross-cutting issues, ensuring that strategic priorities are translated into effective action across the organisation. They provide leadership to the collective officials' PO function, strengthen alignment between senior offices, and ensure effective coordination with Ministerial POs.
The role is accountable for:
- Supporting the Permanent Secretary in the effective running of the department.
- Acting as a senior trouble‑shooter on complex, sensitive and cross‑cutting issues.
- Leading and managing the Permanent Secretary's PO and DG PO network.
- Building coherence across senior leadership structures and ways of working.
- Leading a review of support arrangements for the Permanent Secretary and DGs to ensure they remain fit for purpose within an expanded department.
- Strengthening links between officials' POs, Ministerial POs and central corporate functions.
- Supporting crisis management and major incident responses affecting departmental leadership.
The post-holder contributes directly to the effectiveness of departmental leadership, governance, organisational performance and delivery.
Person specification
The ideal candidate would have the following key skills and experience, please note that desirable skills will only be used in the event of tied candidates:
- Seeing the Big Picture: outstanding strategic judgment; anticipating emerging risks and opportunities across the wider operating environment, and translating overarching priorities into coherent action across complex governance structures.
- Making Effective Decisions: leading on complex, cross‑cutting issues; synthesising ambiguous evidence, balancing competing priorities, and driving sound, timely decisions in a high‑tempo environment.
- Leadership: visible, inclusive leadership through periods of change and ambiguity; empowering teams to deliver at pace while sustaining high standards, resilience, and wellbeing.
- Working Together: building influential relationships across executive offices and governance boards; resolving competing agendas and fostering collaboration to secure collective ownership of corporate priorities.
- Changing and Improving: championing continuous improvement and innovation; using operational and corporate insight to shape sustainable solutions that improve outcomes across the department.
- Familiarity with some of DCMS’s policies and delivery agenda.
- Experience of working with, and delivering on behalf of, senior stakeholders, such as ministers or senior executives.
Chief of Staff to the Permanent Secretary in England employer: Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
DCMS is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities while contributing to vital initiatives that enhance the UK's cyber resilience and digital landscape. The hybrid working policy allows for flexibility, making it easier to balance your professional and personal life in vibrant locations like London, Manchester, or Darlington.
Contact Details:
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief of Staff to the Permanent Secretary in England
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Staff to the Permanent Secretary in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
