At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex diaries, coordinate meetings, and support the Senior Master in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Royal Courts of Justice, a prestigious institution in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital role that supports the judiciary and makes a real difference.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and excellent communication abilities are essential.
- Other info: Experience a fast-paced role with significant career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 28500 - 30000 £ per year.
Salary: £33,551 - £35,564
Working Pattern: Full Time, Flexible Working
Location: Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London, WC2A 2LL
Background: The Kings Bench Division is one of the three divisions of the High Court, together with the Chancery Division and Family Division. It is the largest of the three divisions and has the most varied work, which consists mainly of personal injury, negligence (including professional negligence), breach of statutory duty, media and communications claims including defamation, other tortious conduct, breach of contract and breaches of the Human Rights Act 1998.
Role Purpose: An exciting opportunity has arisen to act as the Personal Assistant to the Senior Master of the Kings Bench Division. This is a business-critical post, where the post-holder will need to manage conflicting priorities and use their initiative. The post holder will work in a fast-paced and exciting environment where you will need to anticipate and resolve issues, prioritise competing demands and successfully support your principal so they are able to deliver their responsibilities. The post-holder will be required to liaise with the Senior Master and other judges, and stakeholders both inside and outside of HMCTS. Discretion is important in this role given the variety of information and ceremonial areas. This role will suit candidates who are flexible, resilient, and pragmatic with strong interpersonal and organisational skills. You will be comfortable managing your own workload whilst enjoying being part of a wider Kings Bench team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Complex Diary Management: The PA would handle intricate scheduling, ensuring that the Senior Master's time is managed efficiently and effectively. This includes coordinating meetings, appointments, and events with various stakeholders across the judiciary and government.
- Carrying out a role of a Chief Clerk to Kings Remembrancer: The Senior Master holds the ceremonial office of Kings Remembrancer. To support this role, the PA will provide administrative support as the Chief Clerk to the Kings Remembrancer in relation to annual ceremonial duties.
- Strategic Planning: The PA will be involved in strategic planning and decision-making processes, providing support in developing and implementing plans that align with the Senior Master's objectives.
- Communication Management: The PA will manage communications on behalf of the Senior Master, including drafting and reviewing correspondence, preparing reports, and ensuring that all communications are clear, concise, and professional.
- Stakeholder Liaison: The PA will act as a liaison between the Senior Master and other stakeholders, facilitating communication and collaboration.
- Project support: The PA will assist with delegated administrative and research tasks linked to projects that the Senior Master has commissioned.
- Administrative support to the other KB Masters: Providing secretarial support to KB Masters to assist with their work on committees & sub-committees and other projects.
- Other general administrative support: Providing broader administrative support, including ensuring that papers and other relevant material are available in advance of meetings, and liaise regarding travel arrangements.
Person Specification:
Given working with the judiciary, senior officials across Government, and a wide range of other stakeholders, the post holder will be expected to be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate excellent organisational and inter-personal skills, whilst managing a busy inbox.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- A passion for excellent service delivery.
- Great attention to detail and an ability to work at pace calmly.
- Excellent organisational and task management skills.
- Confident building strong personal relationships across a large and complex organisation.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Can work on own initiative and prioritise workload to meet conflicting objectives.
- Highly resilient and takes can do attitude to resolving issues.
- Proficient Microsoft Office software skills.
Desirable:
- Experience of working in an administrative or business support role.
Other Duties:
The post holder is required to work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post.
Additional Information:
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements depending on business needs. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home.
For nationally advertised roles: successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office near their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.
Flexible and part-time working patterns will be considered in accordance with MoJ policies. The Civil Service provides various benefits including annual leave, pension, training, networks, and family-friendly policies.
Personal Assistant 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 Personal Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work in the judiciary or have connections to the Kings Bench Division. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the role and the Senior Master’s responsibilities. Show us you understand the complexities of diary management and stakeholder liaison – it’ll impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's drafting emails or speaking clearly, being articulate is key. We want to see you can handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Personal Assistant. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Organisational Skills: Since this role involves complex diary management and prioritising tasks, give examples in your application that demonstrate your organisational prowess. We want to see how you handle busy schedules and conflicting priorities!
Be Professional Yet Personable: When drafting your application, strike a balance between professionalism and a friendly tone. Remember, you'll be liaising with various stakeholders, so showcasing your communication skills is key!
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 this exciting opportunity with the Kings Bench Division.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
✨Master the Art of Diary Management
Since the role involves complex diary management, practice discussing your experience with scheduling and prioritising tasks. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've efficiently managed conflicting appointments in the past.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Personal Assistant, clear communication is key. Prepare to demonstrate your written and verbal communication skills by bringing along samples of correspondence you've drafted or summarising how you handle sensitive information.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Prowess
The interviewers will be looking for strong organisational skills. Come prepared with a system or method you've used to keep track of multiple projects or tasks, and be ready to explain how it helped you stay on top of your workload.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle pressure and conflicting priorities. Think of examples where you've had to think on your feet and resolve issues quickly, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.