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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.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for growth and networking across the Civil Service.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ 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. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the HR Assistant Private Secretary role. Personal connections can give us valuable insights and even referrals.
✨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 role, but also in how we can contribute to the HR function’s goals. Tailor our questions to demonstrate our understanding of their priorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our communication skills! Since this role involves a lot of correspondence and coordination, let’s rehearse how we’d handle different scenarios. Mock interviews with friends can help us articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating our enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. It shows we’re proactive and genuinely interested in being part of the team at Defra.
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 for the HR Assistant Private Secretary role. Highlight your organisational skills and proactive nature, as these are key traits we’re looking for. Show us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves managing communications for the CPO, it’s essential to demonstrate your written communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application, and consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles.
Highlight Your Attention to Detail: We value accuracy and discretion, so make sure to emphasise your attention to detail in your application. Mention any experiences where you’ve had to manage sensitive information or coordinate complex tasks, as this will resonate well with us.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that your application is received directly by our team. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining us at StudySmarter.
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 maintained accuracy under pressure, as these are crucial skills for the job.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity and Confidence
During the interview, highlight instances where you've taken initiative in previous roles. Talk about how you anticipated needs and flagged issues early, showcasing your ability to stay agile in a fast-paced environment. Confidence in your abilities will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this role involves liaising with various stakeholders. Use the interview as an opportunity to build rapport with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the team dynamics at Defra. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.