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- Tasks: Support the senior leadership team in decision-making and governance processes.
- Company: Join the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, a vital public investigation into the pandemic.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Why this job: Be part of an unprecedented inquiry that shapes future responses to public health crises.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management or administration, strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and impactful contributions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Inquiry
In December 2021 Baroness Heather Hallett, a retired Appeal Court judge, was appointed by the Prime Minister as Chair of the independent public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic.
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry was formally established with full powers under the Inquiries Act 2005 in June 2022. The Inquiry sits independently of the Government with the Cabinet Office acting as the sponsoring department.
Following an initial set up phase the Inquiry began hearing evidence in May 2023. Our team is working to examine the UK’s response to and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and learn lessons for the future. The Inquiry’s work is guided by its Terms of Reference. We are a values driven organisation, and we aim to put our values of fairness, openness, compassion and inclusion at the heart of everything we do.
This is an exciting role, offering the opportunity to be part of an innovative team, and to help deliver a public inquiry that is unprecedented in terms of scope and depth.
Further information about the Inquiry can be found on the UK Covid-19 Inquiry website.
About the Teams
Project Management Office
The Project Management Office (PMO) works closely with private office and the senior leadership team (SLT) to ensure that delivery of the Inquiry’s objectives stays on track, that risks are identified early and that decisions are made at the right level with the right inputs. It commissions advice, supports the SLT in their regular decision-making forums and provides secretariat for the Inquiry’s various formal governance boards.
Private Office
The Private Office team supports the Inquiry’s senior leaders to deliver their day-to-day responsibilities. It facilitates smooth, timely and effective decision-making by the senior leadership team; maximises their efficiency in their respective roles, ensuring that they can pursue strategic objectives while managing daily business; and supports colleagues across the Inquiry in engaging effectively with the senior leadership team.
The PMO and Private Office work closely together and with the Senior Leadership Team. Both teams sit at the heart of the organisation, a position giving excellent oversight of the UK’s biggest public Inquiry. We are inclusive, innovative teams where you will be supported to challenge yourself and where success will depend on good judgement, effective communication and strong working relationships with teams across the Inquiry.
About the Role
Private Office Business Manager
The Business Manager is a key role within Private Office, reporting to the Head of Private Office, and is a stretching HEO position with important responsibilities. The role holder will work directly with the Inquiry’s senior leadership team, with whom they will need to build productive and trusting relationships. The role will be of particular interest to experienced HEOs seeking to develop their line management and team leadership skills, as well as those looking to build relevant behaviours for future private secretary roles at a higher grade. The Business Manager is particularly responsible for:
- Leading the diary support function, line managing up to two EO diary secretaries to manage SLT diaries
- Maximising the support PO can offer the directors (who do not have dedicated Private Secretaries of their own), working with the rest of PO to ensure that they are as supported as possible
- Leading on the Inquiry Secretary’s responsibilities as Accounting Officer, ensuring that financial sign-off moments happen smoothly and with the right inputs
- Leading on information governance and on Business Continuity and Risk within Private Office, ensuring appropriate plans and mitigations are in place and continually reviewing processes to ensure they are fit for purpose and the BCP is up to date.
- Other responsibilities include maintaining PO’s decision logs; supporting meetings; and supporting a range of corporate functions with Private Office which may include finance, accommodation/travel and HR.
PMO Support Officer, Governance and Assurance Team
The Project Management Officer will support the team to deliver core functions within the Governance and Assurance Team; doing so effectively will require close working across the governance team (including Private Office) and wider Inquiry. You will work closely with the senior leadership team (SLT) and functional leads delivering support to meetings and facilitating the decisions making process. You will also work collaboratively to ensure a customer focused and flexible approach to our work.
Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinating the flow of decisions needed by the Senior Leadership Team, through close working across the Inquiry team and with private office
- Arranging and managing attendance at meetings
- Commission and circulate papers for Governance Boards and Senior Leadership meetings, taking and distributing minutes and actions.
- Ensure actions from meetings are followed up and completed by designated staff, tracking any issues raised and feeding back appropriately.
- Supporting the internal and external reporting needs of the Inquiry and providing assurance reviews across projects.
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Covid-19 Inquiry: PMO Support Officer / Private Office Business Manager employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Covid-19 Inquiry: PMO Support Officer / Private Office Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Covid-19 Inquiry. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the unexpected! Research common interview questions for PMO roles and practice your answers. But also be ready for curveballs – think on your feet and show them how adaptable you are!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak, let your enthusiasm for the Inquiry's mission shine through. They want to see that you care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Covid-19 Inquiry: PMO Support Officer / Private Office Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of the PMO Support Officer or Business Manager. We want to see how you can contribute to our values of fairness, openness, compassion, and inclusion.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in this role, so don’t shy away from demonstrating your ability to convey information clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully facilitated decision-making or supported senior leaders. We love a good story!
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: Given the nature of the roles, being organised is crucial. Share instances where you’ve managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. We’re looking for candidates who can keep things running smoothly, so show us your organisational prowess!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of our innovative team at the Inquiry!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know the Inquiry Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's objectives and values. Familiarise yourself with its Terms of Reference and recent developments. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their mission.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
As a PMO Support Officer, you'll need to showcase your project management abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully coordinated projects or managed teams. Highlight your skills in decision-making and risk management, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Build Rapport with the Senior Leadership Team
Since the role involves working closely with the senior leadership team, think about how you can establish trust and effective communication. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles and how you plan to support the SLT in achieving their strategic objectives.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of situations where you've had to navigate challenges or conflicts, especially in a governance or assurance context. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.