At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Senior Civil Servants with proactive communication and administrative tasks.
- Company: Join the Government Digital Service, leading digital transformation in the UK.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic government environment with career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with talented professionals and contribute to meaningful projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national digital challenges while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Exceptional communication skills and a proactive, detail-oriented mindset.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 45000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Assistant Private Secretary role at Government Digital Service. This role is available in our London location. The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government. We are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government.
Our priorities are to drive a modern digital government by:
- joining up public sector services
- harnessing the power of AI for the public good
- strengthening and extending our digital and data public infrastructure
- elevating leadership and investing in talent
- funding for outcomes and procuring for growth and innovation
- committing to transparency and driving accountability
GDS leads the Government Digital and Data function and champions the work of digital teams across government. We are home to the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (I.AI), the world-leading GOV.UK, and at the forefront of coordinating the UK’s geospatial strategy and activity. We are part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and employ more than 1,000 people all over the UK, with hubs in London, Manchester, and Bristol.
Within GDS, you will join the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), a directorate comprising 85 staff and aiming to grow to 140 staff by the end of financial year 2025/26. The directorate has recently overseen a number of key departmental priorities, ranging from delivering the State of Digital Government Review, to the AI Playbook, to strengthening how Government does digital procurement, and protecting public sector website domains, amongst other priorities.
We are recruiting for two Assistant Private Secretaries, each of whom will support 2-3 Senior Civil Servants. Both roles will be line-managed by the current G7 Head of Office. Through being part of a close-knit team, you will also gain exposure to the wider work of the directorate, including workstreams you may be particularly interested in.
The Assistant Private Secretary role is a challenging one with a high level of exposure and responsibility. You will provide proactive, timely and accurate support to both of your Senior Civil Servants by:
- supporting the Head of Office in integrating the directorate within wider GDS, including building links with wider Private Offices
- building and maintaining strong, proactive, and supportive relationships with teams
- working with the directorate’s leadership team to understand and progress priorities, both directly and through others
- commissioning, researching, and providing high quality briefing and advice
- accompanying your Senior Civil Servants to meetings, visits, and following up on actions where required
- identifying and brokering solutions to issues raised with your Senior Civil Servants, pre-empting where possible
- developing the directorate’s culture through organising all-staff events, ensuring alignment with GDS and DSIT communications, and driving wider engagement initiatives
- proactively managing the inboxes and diaries of both Senior Civil Servants
- supporting the Policy & Governance team by assisting with Parliamentary Questions, FOI responses, papers for key forums, and other similar requests
- providing secretarial and administrative support, including arranging travel, logistics, and other ad hoc duties.
We look forward to receiving an application from you if:
- you have exceptional, proactive communication skills
- you take the initiative and work things out independently, drawing on support when needed
- you’re forward-thinking, proactive, and highly dependable
- you’re great at building and maintaining strong relationships across teams
- you’re open and eager to learn – you seek out opportunities to grow
- you’re very detail-oriented and highly organised
- you’re highly resilient, able to manage and deliver competing demands at pace and in a pressured environment
- when needed, you’re willing to go beyond your remit to help problem solve for the directorate
- you’re able to see the big picture and link your responsibilities to the overall goals of the directorate.
DSIT cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DSIT holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
Seniority level: Associate
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Administrative
Industries: Government Administration
Assistant Private Secretary employer: Government Digital Service
The Government Digital Service in Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and hands-on experience in cutting-edge cloud-native technologies, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance public services across the UK.
Contact Details:
Government Digital Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Private Secretary
✨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 Government Digital Service, 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 Government Digital Service and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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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 Assistant Private Secretary
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 Government Digital Service 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 Government Digital Service
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Government Digital Service, 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 Government Digital Service.
