Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team and tackle urgent policy issues for the Lord Chancellor.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, dedicated to making lives better for citizens.
- Benefits: Enjoy a diverse workplace that values inclusion and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be a key adviser and influence important decisions in government.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and ability to manage complex relationships required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from all backgrounds to reflect the society we serve.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This role is extraordinarily varied, interesting, and demanding. You will represent the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and resolve the most urgent policy issues within and beyond the Department. You will provide strong, strategic, and inspiring leadership for your team, and secure the confidence of Ministers and officials across the Department and wider Government. You will be joining a great team and working on some of the most complex and important issues that make lives better for the citizens we serve.
You will be a key adviser to the Lord Chancellor and lead the Ministry of Justice’s Private Office Directorate which acts as the interface between Ministers, the Permanent Secretary and the rest of the Department and Whitehall.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director General of Policy, you will be accountable for:
-
Overseeing the delivery of the Lord Chancellor’s overall agenda in Whitehall and the MoJ, with a strong focus on performance.
-
Ensuring Private Office and wider departmental processes match the Lord Chancellor’s expectations and result in exceptional service quality.
-
Ensuring that the Ministerial, Special Advisor and Private Office teams’ function effectively together.
-
Representing the Lord Chancellor and having the confidence and credibility to intervene and act as a troubleshooter to resolve policy issues and tensions within and beyond the department.
-
Developing and maintaining highly influential and effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including Ministers, private offices across Whitehall, special advisers, press officers and policy colleagues.
-
Leading a team of over 90 in the Parliament and Private Office Directorate, including private secretaries, correspondence, and support staff, including the MoJs widely respected Parliament and Legislation Branch, coordinating Parliamentary activity across the department.
-
Managing a budget of approximately £6.7m.
-
Acting as the main point of contact for the department with colleagues in No 10, and coordinating cross -Whitehall discussions and negotiations; and
-
Contributing to the wider (SCS2 -level) Senior Leadership Group in the MoJ.
-
Upholding the Civil Service Code and its core values: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
329 - Principal Private Secretary to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 329 - Principal Private Secretary to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current policy issues and challenges facing the Ministry of Justice. Understanding these topics will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your commitment and readiness to tackle complex issues.
✨Tip Number 2
Build a network within Whitehall and the wider government. Establishing relationships with key stakeholders can provide you with insights and support that are crucial for the role, especially when it comes to resolving policy tensions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you successfully led teams or projects. Highlight how you inspired and motivated others, as this role requires strong strategic leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of the Civil Service Code and its core values. Being able to articulate how you embody integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality will resonate well with the selection panel.
We think you need these skills to ace 329 - Principal Private Secretary to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Principal Private Secretary role. Highlight how your experience aligns with the key duties mentioned.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasize your leadership experience and ability to manage teams effectively. Provide specific examples of how you have led teams or projects in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Illustrate your strategic thinking capabilities by discussing instances where you have successfully navigated complex policy issues or contributed to significant decision-making processes. This will show your readiness for the demands of the role.
Highlight Relationship Building: Focus on your ability to build and maintain influential relationships with stakeholders. Share examples of how you have collaborated with various departments or external partners to achieve common goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understand the Role's Complexity
Make sure you grasp the varied and demanding nature of the role. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with overseeing complex policy issues and leading a large team effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing diverse teams. Share examples of how you've inspired and motivated others to achieve exceptional service quality.
✨Build Relationships
Showcase your ability to develop influential relationships with stakeholders. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with Ministers or other departments to resolve issues.
✨Emphasize Integrity and Values
Familiarize yourself with the Civil Service Code and its core values. Be ready to articulate how you embody integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality in your professional conduct.
