At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO by managing their diary, correspondence, and key meetings.
- Company: Join HM Courts & Tribunals Service, making a difference in justice administration.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a competitive pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team during a transformative period in justice.
- Qualifications: Experience in diary management and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 40014 - 42859 ÂŁ per year.
Salary £40,014 – £42,859 | Role Type: Permanent | Working Pattern: Full-time | Location: London, 102 Petty France, SW1H 9AJ | Vacancy ID: 13517 | Closing Date: 23-Jan-2026
Eligibility
Only existing Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are eligible to apply. Please review the Eligibility section before submitting an application.
About HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
HMCTS administers criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. The organisation supports service users, colleagues and businesses to access life‑changing justice.
About The Team
The CEO’s Office is a small, high‑performing team that provides strategic and operational support to the Chief Executive. You will collaborate with senior leaders across HMCTS, the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary to deliver key priorities during a period of major transformation.
Responsibilities
- Administer the CEO’s diary, inbox and agenda, prioritising tasks and anticipating needs.
- Monitor emails and correspondence, highlight urgent matters and ensure issues progress in line with the CEO’s priorities.
- Coordinate arrangements for visits, meetings and events, including the CEO’s programme of court and tribunal visits.
- Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including senior judiciary and government officials.
- Provide administrative and business support to the CEO (travel, accommodation, briefing materials).
- Work with the Senior Business Manager to track actions, maintain momentum on key priorities and contribute to reporting activities.
- Develop an understanding of the CEO’s style and preferences to support time management and communication.
- Fulfil secretariat duties for meetings chaired by the CEO as required.
- Build and maintain a wide network of relationships to facilitate effective outcomes.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management, commensurate with the grade and responsibilities.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Proven experience managing diaries and prioritising for senior leaders.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, capable of handling multiple tasks at pace.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with confidence at all levels.
- Ability to negotiate, influence and build relationships across a wide network.
- Proactive, adaptable and confident decision‑making in a fast‑changing environment.
- Sound judgement, able to spot emerging issues and act on initiative.
- Calm, dependable and professional under pressure.
- Team player who models the Department’s values of openness, humanity, togetherness and purpose.
- Discretion and ability to handle confidential matters.
Application Process
Submit an anonymised CV in a simple text format. Provide a concise statement of suitability (≤ 500 words), using real‑life examples and, if possible, the STAR format. Include a behaviour example (≤ 250 words) illustrating the Civil Service Behaviour “Delivering at Pace”. Include key qualifications and relevant experience with dates. Ensure all evidence is truthful and factually accurate; plagiarism is prohibited.
Interview Stage
Successful candidates will be invited to an in‑person interview at 102 Petty France, London (SW1H 9AJ). The interview will assess:
- Role‑play scenario on “Making Effective Decisions” (details sent one week prior).
- Behavioural questions on “Delivering at Pace”, “Managing a Quality Service” and “Communicating and Influencing”.
- One experience‑based question related to the person specification.
Working Pattern & Travel
Full‑time position with occasional travel to HMCTS sites as required.
Benefits
Generous annual leave (25 days, increasing to 30 days after five years). Competitive contributory pension scheme. Childcare benefits and support schemes for caregivers. Season ticket and bicycle loans. Flexible working arrangements – hybrid working permitted for up to 60% of time at office.
Equal Opportunities
HMCTS and the Ministry of Justice are committed to diversity and inclusion. The role is open to UK nationals, EU nationals, Commonwealth, Swedish, Norwegian and other eligible groups as specified in the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Contact Information
MoJ Recruitment Team: 0345 241 5359 (Mon‑Fri 8am‑6pm) or email. Quote reference 13517 when contacting.
Executive Assistant to the CEO, HMCTS employer: HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
Contact Detail:
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the CEO, HMCTS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at HMCTS on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising role-play scenarios. We know the interview will include decision-making exercises, so let’s get comfortable with those types of questions.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you’ve managed busy schedules or prioritised tasks effectively in the past. It’ll make us stand out!
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the CEO, HMCTS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Keep it simple and clear, focusing on your relevant experience and skills that align with the Executive Assistant role. Remember, we want to see how you’ve managed diaries and supported senior leaders.
Nail Your Statement of Suitability: This is your chance to shine! Use real-life examples to showcase your skills, especially in managing multiple tasks and delivering at pace. Stick to the STAR format if you can – it helps us see your thought process and achievements clearly.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Strong written communication is key for this role. Make sure your application is well-structured and free of errors. We’re looking for clarity and professionalism, so take your time to proofread before hitting send!
Be Honest and Authentic: We value honesty above all. Ensure all the information you provide is truthful and accurate. Plagiarism isn’t just a no-go; it could cost you the opportunity. Be yourself, and let your unique experiences shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
✨Know the CEO's Style
Before your interview, research the CEO’s communication style and preferences. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you can effectively support their needs, which is crucial for an Executive Assistant role.
✨Master the STAR Technique
When preparing for behavioural questions, use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to structure your answers. This will help you clearly articulate your experiences related to 'Delivering at Pace' and other key competencies.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Since the interview includes a role-play scenario on 'Making Effective Decisions', practice decision-making exercises beforehand. Think about how you would handle urgent situations and be ready to showcase your judgement and initiative.
✨Build Your Network Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with HMCTS and its stakeholders. Understanding the organisation's structure and key players will allow you to speak confidently about how you can build relationships and facilitate effective outcomes in your role.