At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior leaders with diary management, correspondence, and logistics in a dynamic government environment.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at the heart of Government, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a fantastic pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain invaluable experience while supporting high-profile Directors and Deputy Directors.
- Qualifications: Organised, efficient, and people-focused individuals are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a varied and exciting role that’s a fantastic opportunity to experience working at the heart of Government, working closely alongside senior leaders? Are you organised, efficient and people-focused? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
About the Team
As part of the Group Management Services Team (GMS), you will work alongside five other Personal Assistants and business support staff, all of whom provide personal assistance services to the Group Management Team (GMT) as well as a range of administrative support and business planning services to the wider group. The role is an excellent opportunity for high-performing candidates looking to stretch themselves in a high-profile and fast-paced environment, assisting Directors and Deputy Directors.
About the Job
- Diary management: Proactively plan and manage the Director/DD’s diary using your professional judgement to line up meetings in a well-organised way. Resolve conflicts, negotiate, and allocate time to Director/DD priorities. Develop a good understanding of the Group’s work and priorities so you can make decisions on behalf of the Director/DD.
- Supporting Director/DD priorities: Anticipate problems, risks, issues, and corporate tasks that they will have to deal with and proactively make suggestions about the best way to take them forward.
- Mailbox management: Develop or adopt efficient systems for handling and prioritising emails on behalf of the Director/DD and where required delegate actions to others in the teams and use own judgement to filter unnecessary emails.
- Building relationships: Take the initiative to develop and lead relationships with key external and internal partners and colleagues to effectively do the job. Liaise with external stakeholders to arrange high-level meetings and arrange logistics.
- Correspondence management: Manage and coordinate official correspondence including Ministerial responses, Parliamentary Questions, Freedom of Information requests, and Treat Official communications, ensuring timely and accurate handling in line with departmental standards.
- Group contributions: Work collaboratively with the GMS team to lead or support the economics and fiscal groups’ corporate activities and seamlessly cover colleagues during absences, having comprehensive handover notes prepared for your own absences.
- Coordinating logistics: Ensure the Director/DD are clear on their schedules for the day and prepare diary and meeting folders in preferred format. Organise all logistics of virtual and in-person, internal and external meetings including organising international travel, hotels, taxis, visas, rooms, conference phone lines etc.
- Team support: Provide cover for the other PAs in the Group Management Services Team (GMS) when they are unwell or on leave, by monitoring the inboxes and diaries of their Deputy Directors they support when needed.
About You
This is an exciting opportunity to develop the skills to provide personal assistance to senior civil servants - up to three directors and/or Deputy Directors (DD) in the steady state, with a willingness to provide additional temporary cover. It also offers the opportunity to support the effective functioning of both groups, ensuring they remain excellent, inclusive places to work. The role will build experience about government operations and how decisions are made at senior levels. The successful candidate should demonstrate resourcefulness, trustworthiness, and discretion.
Some of the Benefits our people love!
- Generous Annual Leave – 25 days (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus public holidays and the King’s birthday.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme – Defined Benefit pension with employer contributions of 28%.
- Parental Leave Packages – Including 6 months’ occupational pay for maternity/adoption, shared parental leave options.
- Flexible & Hybrid Working – Options include part-time, job-share, compressed hours, flexitime, and hybrid working (where business needs allow).
- Advance Schemes & Discounts – Rental deposit, cycle-to-work, SmartTech, season ticket loans, and access to HM Treasury’s benefits portal for a wide range of discount codes.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA and Business Support in Darlington
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like HM TREASURY, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like HM TREASURY and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace PA and Business Support in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for HM TREASURY and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with HM TREASURY, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for HM TREASURY.