At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Government Whips by managing diaries and coordinating parliamentary business.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at the heart of Government and Parliament.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, overtime pay, and a chance to influence legislative processes.
- Why this job: Be part of a small team making a real impact in Government affairs.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and ability to communicate effectively.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and networking with high-profile officials.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This vacancy offers an excellent opportunity to work at the heart of both Government and Parliament. The Government Whips’ Office is responsible for delivering the Government’s legislative programme in the House of Lords. The Whips will often act as lead Minister in the Chamber on behalf of a department. As part of the House of Lords Business Manager’s Office, the team supports the Leader of the House and Chief Whip in securing the passage of Government Bills through the upper chamber. It acts as a channel of communication between the Government and the Opposition parties on parliamentary matters and co-ordinates Lords parliamentary business. The office provides support, advice and guidance on House business to Ministers, Government Departments and back-bench Peers. The Office directly supports a Ministerial Team of Whips in their roles as spokespersons for various Government Departments and in their duties as Lords and Baronesses-in-Waiting to HM The King.
The PA/Diary Manager is essential to the effective functioning of the team of Whips. The post holder will be responsible for making the most effective use of the Whip’s time and provide them with effective support, including ensuring they have clearly identified priorities and high quality briefing to enable them to successfully carry out their duties. As the Whips may need to deputise for other Ministers, you will need to be able to manage a diary and relationships with numerous Government Departments, particularly in coordinating briefing for business.
The post holder needs to be very well organised, flexible and able to prioritise. They must be able to work well with others, to communicate effectively and to be confident. The post holder will also need to remain calm and reliable under pressure. Previous experience of diary management would be helpful but is not a prerequisite.
The successful candidate will form part of a small team of four, working closely with the team of six government Whips. They will have contact with the Chief Whip, Whips, Ministers and officials in both Houses and offices across government, as well as with external organisations. The post reports directly to one of the Senior Private Secretaries.
Depending on business needs, hours can exceed standard contracted hours, for which overtime is paid. The post holder will need to be willing to work flexibly across their time and brief as necessary.
The role requires excellent organisational skills; a high level of interpersonal skills with an emphasis on discretion and tact; and the ability to work well as a team member.
Personal Assistant (PA) to a House of Lords Government Whip employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant (PA) to a House of Lords Government Whip
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the House of Lords or government roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Whips’ Office and understanding their role in Parliament. Show us you know your stuff and can talk about how you’d fit into their team. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a PA, you'll need to be clear and concise. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your experience and how it relates to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant (PA) to a House of Lords Government Whip
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your skills that match the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role of a Personal Assistant in a dynamic environment like the House of Lords.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role is all about managing diaries and priorities, give us examples of how you've successfully organised tasks or managed schedules in the past. We love seeing real-life scenarios that demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure!
Communicate Clearly: Your written application should reflect your communication skills. Keep it clear, concise, and professional. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 a Personal Assistant to a Government Whip. Familiarise yourself with the legislative process and the role of the Whips in Parliament. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the position.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed diaries or coordinated schedules in the past. Highlight your ability to prioritise tasks and remain calm under pressure, as these are crucial skills for this role. Consider bringing a portfolio that showcases your organisational achievements.
✨Demonstrate Effective Communication
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex information simply and effectively. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask during the interview to show your engagement and communication skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
The job requires working closely with a small team, so be ready to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others. Also, express your willingness to adapt to changing priorities and work flexible hours, as this is essential in a fast-paced environment like the House of Lords.