Personal Assistant to Director - Policy Directorate
Personal Assistant to Director - Policy Directorate

Personal Assistant to Director - Policy Directorate

Newcastle upon Tyne Full-Time 25000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
HM Revenue & Customs

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Director with diary management and administrative tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join the Individuals Policy Directorate, shaping policies that impact individual customers.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous holiday entitlement.
  • Why this job: Gain insight into government decision-making while supporting impactful policy initiatives.
  • Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and effective communication with diverse stakeholders.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal development and career growth.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.

In this role, you will support the Director of IPD as part of their private office, managing time and providing administrative support to enable effective leadership and decision making.

Individuals Policy Directorate (IPD) brings together policy and technical aspects of taxes and benefits that affect individual customers. We are responsible for policy integrity, working with HM Treasury, delivering new policy, and overseeing processes including pensions, charities, and savings. Around 400 people work in IPD.

You will support the Director of IPD with private office duties, diary management, and administrative tasks to ensure effective leadership. You will gain insight into the decision-making process and policy issues affecting HMRC and government departments across Whitehall.

The Private Office is a small, flexible team that works in a high-profile, fast-paced environment with ambiguity and complexity. You will be trusted to shape your role to provide needed support.

The Private Office coordinates the Director’s time, ensures resources are used effectively, and supports senior officials in HMRC and HM Treasury as well as private offices.

Person Specification
  • Diary management for the Director – organise meetings with senior colleagues, identify deputies, proactive forward planning, and ensure priorities are met.
  • Inbox management – triage correspondence, ensure papers are ready for meetings.
  • Some routine HR tasks, travel arrangements, and expenses for the Director.
  • Day-to-day IPD business support, record keeping and budget management.
  • Other ad hoc support tasks as required, including covering for the Assistant Private Secretary.
  • Strong organisational skills and sound judgement with ability to understand the Director’s priorities.
  • Ability to plan, coordinate and prioritise the Director’s and your own time; work flexibly in a changing environment.
  • Effective communication with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders.
Behaviours

We will assess the following behaviours during the selection process:

  • Delivering at Pace
  • Making Effective Decisions
Benefits

Salary: £29,475 with a Civil Service Pension contribution of £8,538. The Civil Service Pension provides defined benefit schemes. HMRC offers Flexible and Hybrid working policies.

  • 25 days holiday (rising to 30 with service)
  • Pension contributions (Alpha scheme)
  • Family-friendly policies
  • Personal support
  • Coaching and development

More information about HMRC benefits is available on the Civil Service pages.

How to Apply

As part of the application process, provide:

  • A name-blind CV focusing on relevant experience
  • A 500-word personal statement demonstrating how you meet the Essential Criteria with examples and outcomes

Further details are on the application form. Be sure to avoid plagiarism; AI use is allowed as a tool but all content must be truthful and from your own experience.

Eligibility and Sift/Interview

This vacancy uses Success Profiles (Behaviours, Strengths, Experience). A sift may be conducted on the Personal Statement, and at full sift both CV and Personal Statement are assessed. Interviews will be conducted via video link; dates to be confirmed.

Please check eligibility information before submitting your application. If you make an eligibility mistake, contact unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk with the vacancy reference and closing date.

Job location postings and dates shown are for awareness and may not reflect final assignment.

Personal Assistant to Director - Policy Directorate employer: HM Revenue & Customs

As a Personal Assistant to the Director within the Individuals Policy Directorate, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team that values flexibility and innovation in a fast-paced environment. With competitive benefits including a Civil Service Pension, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for personal development, HMRC fosters a culture of growth and collaboration, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful work in public service.
HM Revenue & Customs

Contact Detail:

HM Revenue & Customs Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant to Director - Policy Directorate

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Policy Directorate on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by understanding the key responsibilities of the role. Brush up on diary management and effective communication strategies, as these will be crucial in your day-to-day tasks supporting the Director.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your organisational skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities in the past. This will demonstrate that you can handle the fast-paced environment of the Private Office.

✨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 you’re serious about joining the team at HMRC.

We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant to Director - Policy Directorate

Diary Management
Administrative Support
Organisational Skills
Judgement
Time Management
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Planning and Coordination
Flexibility
Record Keeping
Budget Management
Problem-Solving
Attention to Detail
Proactive Forward Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Stellar CV: Your CV should be a reflection of your relevant experience, so make sure to tailor it specifically for the Personal Assistant role. Highlight your organisational skills and any previous experience in diary management or administrative support.

Nail the Personal Statement: This is your chance to shine! Use the 500 words to showcase how you meet the essential criteria. Include specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to manage time effectively and communicate with various stakeholders.

Be Authentic: While it's tempting to use fancy language or buzzwords, we want to hear your genuine voice. Make sure your application reflects your true experiences and insights, as authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there.

How to prepare for a job interview at HM Revenue & Customs

✨Master the Diary Management

Since you'll be managing the Director's diary, it's crucial to demonstrate your organisational skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed schedules in the past, highlighting your ability to prioritise and coordinate meetings effectively.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've interacted with various stakeholders in previous positions. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to convey information clearly and build relationships.

✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability

The environment is fast-paced and can change quickly. Share instances where you've had to adapt to new situations or priorities. This will show that you can thrive in ambiguity and are ready to support the Director in a dynamic setting.

✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Expect questions that assess your behaviours, such as 'Delivering at Pace' and 'Making Effective Decisions'. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear examples that align with these competencies.

Personal Assistant to Director - Policy Directorate
HM Revenue & Customs
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

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