At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team supporting senior officials in Civil and International Justice.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice's dynamic Private Office team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension options, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development and supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working closely with influential leaders.
- Qualifications: Must be a current Civil Service employee with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 44595 - 54505 £ per year.
This permanent Grade 7 Private Secretary post sits in the Ministry of Justice’s Private Office and Parliament Directorate, supporting the Permanent Secretary and Second Permanent Secretary from 102 Petty France. It leads a team covering Civil and International Justice, Communications and Technology, advising the principals and coordinating work across the department and ministerial offices. The role is full-time at 37 hours a week; part-time and flexible arrangements are unsuitable, but full-time job-share applications are welcome, and office attendance is required when the principals are present. Applicants must be eligible Civil Service or accredited NDPB employees and meet SC vetting requirements, including five continuous years in the UK.
What the job involves:
- Lead the team covering Civil and International Justice, Communications and Technology, ensuring its work supports the principals’ priorities and expectations are realistic.
- Advise the Permanent Secretary and Second Permanent Secretary, building trusted relationships and anticipating their priorities and concerns.
- Develop relationships with officials across the portfolio and with relevant Special Adviser and Ministerial Private Offices.
- Lead the wider team through competing priorities and changing capacity, maintaining a welcoming and professional culture.
- Line manage one SEO, with the management arrangement potentially expanding.
- Use judgement and constructive challenge to resolve issues and progress work amid uncertainty and differing views.
- Work with senior officials, Ministers, Special Advisers and external stakeholders on high-profile departmental business.
Skills & knowledge:
- Confident, credible communication across different levels of seniority.
- Strong judgement to balance competing priorities with calmness and resilience.
- Ability to build relationships with stakeholders and senior principals.
- Adaptability, initiative, leadership, resilience and drive; able to work independently and make progress amid uncertainty.
- Ability to give candid advice, challenge constructively and manage expectations while retaining principals’ confidence.
- Ability to lead and support a team, deliver through others and maintain a professional culture under pressure.
Checks & eligibility:
- SC security clearance.
- Continuous UK residence for the five years before applying.
- Eligibility under Civil Service nationality rules and the right to work in the UK.
Other:
- Open only to current Civil Service employees and employees of accredited NDPBs appointed through eligible routes.
- Able to work in the office when the Permanent Secretaries are present; staff are generally expected to spend at least 60% of working time in an office.
- Able to work extended hours when required.
- Full-time role at 37 hours a week; full-time job-share applications are accepted, but part-time and flexible arrangements are unsuitable.
Nice to have:
- Experience working on Justice issues and/or in a private office.
What’s offered:
- 25 days’ annual leave on appointment, rising to 30 after five years’ service.
- Option to buy or sell up to three days’ leave annually, plus public holidays and a privilege day.
- Choice of Civil Service pension schemes.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Employee-run support and advice networks.
- Family-friendly policies, including reduced hours and job sharing, and paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
- Flexible benefits, retail vouchers and discounts.
- Free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens; Private Secretary allowance for extended hours.
23860 - Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary and Second Permanent Secretary in London employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming lives through education and vocational training. With a strong emphasis on supportive relationships and personal development, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety and security while offering opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact in the community. Working in this role not only allows you to make a difference but also provides a unique chance to contribute to the rehabilitation and resettlement of individuals in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 23860 - Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary and Second Permanent Secretary in London
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We think you need these skills to ace 23860 - Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary and Second Permanent Secretary in London
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 Ministry of Justice 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 Ministry of Justice
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ministry of Justice, 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!
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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 Ministry of Justice.
