Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
London
Region
London
Closing Date
27-Sep-2026
Post Type
Permanent
SCS 1
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
22146
Descriptions & requirements
This is one of the most senior and visible Private Office roles in Government, offering a unique opportunity to work at the centre of Civil Service and ministerial decision-making and support the Permanent Secretary for one of government’s biggest and most complex departments.
As Principal Private Secretary, you will play a pivotal role in enabling the Permanent Secretary to fulfil a wide-ranging portfolio of responsibilities spanning justice policy, constitutionalmattersand cross-government priorities.
You will help her provide high quality advice to the Lord Chancellor and ministerial team, oversee the running complex operational agencies and play a leading role with other Heads of Department across government.
You will be trusted advisor to the Permanent Secretary and lead two Heads of Office who manage the Private Offices for the Permanent Secretary and Second Permanent Secretary. You will provide effective leadership to ensure that they receive the right advice, briefing and support at the right time.
The role sits at the centre of a complex network of relationships across the department,Whitehalland the wider justice system. You will work closely with Executive Team members and their teams,, the Cabinet Office, No10, HMTreasuryand ministerial Private Office, ensuring that emerging issues, strategicprioritiesand sensitive matters are managed effectively.
You will have a close working relationship with your counterpart Principal Private Secretary to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.
This is a demanding but highly rewarding leadership role that requires exceptional judgement, political awareness,resilienceand the ability tooperateconfidently in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment. It offers unparalleled exposure to the workings of government at the highest levels and the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the delivery of ministerial priorities and the effective functioning of the justice system.
This role attracts an annual Private Office allowance of £11,400
Job Description Attachment
PPS to the Perm Sec - Job Description.docx(Job Description Attachment)
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
You may not be progressed to the next stage of the assessment process if you do not provide this evidence. When structuring your Statements try to:
- Group evidence of the same experience skills together by using subheadings and paragraphs. This will help to ensure you are writing about the experience that is directly relevant for the role you are applying for.
- You should ensure that you detail recent and relevant examples of the essential experience required for the role and describe the outcome that came from this.
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Interview stage assessments
Interview Dates
TBA but expected early November 2026
Behaviours
Delivering at Pace
Managing a Quality Service
Working Together
Other Assessments
Which assessment methods will be used?
SEE
Level of security checks required
Developed Vetting (DV)
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.Please see ourcandidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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Principal Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary 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.
