Covid-19 Inquiry: PMO Support Officer / Private Office Business Manager in Glasgow

Covid-19 Inquiry: PMO Support Officer / Private Office Business Manager in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Government Recruitment Service

At a Glance

  • 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.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and impactful contributions.
  • 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.

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 in Glasgow employer: Government Recruitment Service

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry offers a unique opportunity to work within a values-driven organisation that prioritises fairness, openness, compassion, and inclusion. As part of an innovative team at the heart of a significant public inquiry, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration, while playing a crucial role in shaping the future of public health policy. This position not only allows for meaningful contributions to society but also provides pathways for career advancement within a dynamic and impactful environment.

Government Recruitment Service

Contact Details:

Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Covid-19 Inquiry: PMO Support Officer / Private Office Business Manager in Glasgow

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We think you need these skills to ace Covid-19 Inquiry: PMO Support Officer / Private Office Business Manager in Glasgow

Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Diary Management
Team Leadership
Decision-Making Support
Information Governance
Business Continuity Planning

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.

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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.

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How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service

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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.

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