Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
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: Enjoy a 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 a proactive attitude are essential.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the CPO and their recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge about how HR connects with the wider department. Tailor your responses to reflect the values of collaboration and continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves managing correspondence and liaising with stakeholders, we suggest doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on being clear, concise, and confident in your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let’s get you in front of the hiring team!
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 it was in drafting documents or coordinating meetings. We love candidates who can keep things running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
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 potential issues before they became problems. This will showcase your proactive nature, which is essential for supporting the CPO effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this role involves liaising with various stakeholders. Use the interview as an opportunity to build rapport with your interviewers. Engage them in conversation, ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, and express your enthusiasm for collaboration. This will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their supportive and inclusive culture.