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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Chief People Officer by managing communications and coordinating engagements.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Defra, focused on HR leadership and collaboration.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to senior leadership and develop your professional skills in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of HR, shaping how we connect with our people and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and confidence in communication are essential.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for growth and networking across the Civil Service.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Role
We’re looking for a highly organised, proactive, and confident individual to join our HR Private Office as Assistant Private Secretary to the Chief People Officer (CPO). This is a fast‑paced and high‑profile role, offering a unique opportunity to work at the centre of Defra’s HR leadership.
You’ll be the key point of coordination for the CPO’s engagements, communications, and briefings ensuring that the right information reaches the right people at the right time. You’ll manage the CPO’s inbox, support internal and external communications, and help shape how the HR function connects with the wider department.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a supportive, inclusive team that values collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement. You’ll gain exposure to senior leadership and play a key role in shaping how HR delivers for Defra’s people.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the CPO’s inbox and correspondence by proactively monitoring incoming messages, prioritising urgent items, drafting responses where appropriate, and ensuring timely follow-up. Maintain a high standard of accuracy and discretion, often acting as the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate briefings, speaking notes, and meeting packs for senior-level engagements, ensuring all materials are well‑prepared, tailored to the audience, and aligned with strategic messaging. Liaise with relevant teams to gather insights and data, and ensure the CPO is fully equipped for impactful participation.
- Support the delivery of the CPO’s communications and engagement across the HR function and outwardly to Defra, including drafting messages, planning engagement activities, and aligning communications with organisational priorities.
- Track actions, priorities, and follow‑ups from meetings and engagements, maintaining a clear and dynamic overview of the CPO’s agenda. Ensure progress is monitored, deadlines are met, and blockers are escalated early to maintain momentum on key initiatives.
- Build strong relationships across Defra and Civil Service HR, acting as a trusted liaison to facilitate collaboration, share intelligence, and support cross‑cutting work. Use these networks to anticipate needs, gather feedback, and strengthen the CPO’s influence and visibility.
- Anticipate issues and flag risks early, using sound judgement and situational awareness to identify emerging challenges. Provide early warnings and options for resolution, helping the Private Office stay agile and responsive in a fast‑paced environment.
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HR Assistant Private Secretary employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Assistant Private Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Defra on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out when we apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the CPO and their recent initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the job, but also in how we can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a mate. We can nail our responses and feel more confident when discussing how our skills align with the role of Assistant Private Secretary.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show that we’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Assistant Private Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your organisational skills and proactive nature. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to the role of Assistant Private Secretary!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be managing the CPO’s inbox and communications, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Use examples from your past experiences to show us how you’ve excelled in this area.
Highlight Your Attention to Detail: In a fast-paced environment, accuracy is key! Share instances where your attention to detail made a difference, whether in drafting documents or coordinating meetings. We love seeing candidates who can keep things on track!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the HR Assistant Private Secretary role. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like managing the CPO’s inbox and coordinating briefings. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires a high level of organisation, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised urgent items and ensured timely follow-ups, as these are crucial skills for the job.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity
In a fast-paced environment, being proactive is key. Think of instances where you anticipated needs or identified potential issues before they became problems. Share these examples during your interview to highlight your ability to stay ahead of the game and support the CPO effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, it's important to show your interpersonal skills during the interview. Engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions, and express your enthusiasm for collaboration. This will help you come across as a confident and approachable candidate.