At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance meetings with agenda planning, minute-taking, and action management.
- Company: Join the Legal Aid Agency, a key player in public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and competitive salary.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in governance while developing your organisational skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in secretariat roles and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29303 - 31061 £ per year.
The Secretariat Officer supports the Legal Aid Agency’s (LAA) key governance forums, including the LAA Board and Executive Committee, via the Corporate Assurance, Risk and Secretariat (CARS) team. The role provides secretariat support, meeting coordination, action management and minute‑taking, while working closely with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide quality secretariat support for LAA governance meetings – agenda planning, paper collation, distribution and formal minute‑taking.
- Act as team lead on the management of selected meetings, ensuring coverage for other forums as required.
- Maintain the meeting attendance log and support colleagues with action logs and forward‑look documentation.
- Manage the Secretariat mailbox – promptly address, follow up and file emails.
- Coordinate meeting dates, arrangements and logistics for governance forums, ensuring timely and convenient scheduling.
- Prepare and communicate necessary documents for ad‑hoc governance meetings in line with ELT diaries.
- Support the management of Microsoft Teams areas for each committee.
- Provide additional administrative support to the wider CARS team when required.
- Attend senior governance meetings (virtual or in‑person) and travel as necessary (typically 1‑2 times per month).
Qualifications & Experience
- Previous experience in a secretariat or executive‑support role.
- Experience of formal minute‑writing and agenda development.
- Familiarity with the LAA’s governance forums and reporting requirements.
- Strong organisational, planning and prioritisation skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing abilities.
- Proficient use of Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams.
- Attention to detail, drafting and communication skills.
- Desirable: Experience using AI tools such as Copilot.
Disability Confident – Equal Opportunities
The Civil Service is a Disability Confident organisation and will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria. In line with the Equality Act 2010, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and commit to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Salary and Working Pattern
National salary range: £29,303 – £31,061. London salary range: £33,551 – £35,564. Working pattern may be full‑time, part‑time or flexible. Hybrid working arrangements are available, with a requirement to spend a minimum of 60% of time in the office.
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, rising to 30 days after five years of service.
- Additional paid time off for public holidays and a privilege day.
- Access to pension schemes, training, and employee‑run networks.
- Family‑friendly policies, flexible working hours and paid parental leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.
- Competitive benefits in line with Civil Service standards.
Secretariat Officer in City of Westminster employer: Ministry of Justice
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and access to comprehensive training and development opportunities, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful governance within the agency. Located in London, the LAA fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Secretariat Officer in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections and let them know you're on the hunt for a Secretariat Officer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the LAA's governance forums and their recent activities. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your minute-taking skills! Since this role involves formal minute-writing, try recording mock meetings and summarising them. It’ll boost your confidence and make you feel more prepared for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application and land that Secretariat Officer position. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen!
We think you need these skills to ace Secretariat Officer in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in secretariat roles. Use keywords from the job description, like 'minute-taking' and 'agenda planning', to show we’re on the same page.
Show Off Your Organisational Skills:We love a candidate who can juggle multiple tasks! In your application, give examples of how you've managed meeting logistics or action logs in the past. This will demonstrate your strong organisational skills.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and get straight to the point about your relevant experience and skills.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Governance
Familiarise yourself with the Legal Aid Agency's governance forums and their reporting requirements. Understanding how these meetings function will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to support the LAA Board and Executive Committee effectively.
✨Master Minute-Taking
Since formal minute-writing is a key part of the role, practice taking minutes from mock meetings. Focus on capturing essential points, decisions made, and action items clearly. This will not only boost your confidence but also showcase your attention to detail during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed meeting logistics in the past. Discuss your strategies for agenda planning, paper collation, and managing action logs. This will highlight your strong organisational and planning skills, which are crucial for the Secretariat Officer role.
✨Be Tech-Savvy
Brush up on your Microsoft Outlook and Teams skills, as well as any experience with AI tools like Copilot. Being proficient in these tools will demonstrate your ability to adapt to the digital aspects of the role and make you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
