At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance meetings with agenda planning, minute-taking, and action management.
- Company: Join the Legal Aid Agency and be part of a supportive team.
- 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 employer: Ministry of Justice
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and access to comprehensive training and development opportunities, employees are empowered to excel in their roles while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Located in a dynamic environment, the LAA fosters inclusivity and values diverse perspectives, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Secretariat Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the LAA. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to secretariat roles. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed meetings or taken minutes effectively. This will demonstrate your fit for the role and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Secretariat Officer
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 Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your organisational and communication skills. Mention any experience you have with Microsoft Teams and Outlook, as these are key tools for us in this role.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is crucial for a Secretariat Officer. When writing your application, double-check for typos and ensure your formatting is consistent. This reflects the quality of work we expect.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on that opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the Legal Aid Agency’s governance forums and their reporting requirements. This will not only show your interest in the role but also help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Master Minute-Taking Techniques
Since formal minute-writing is a key part of the job, practice summarising meetings succinctly. Bring examples of your previous minutes to discuss how you ensure accuracy and clarity.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Prepare to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively. Think of specific examples where your planning skills made a difference in meeting coordination or action management.
✨Get Comfortable with Tech
Brush up on your Microsoft Outlook and Teams skills, as well as any AI tools like Copilot. Being tech-savvy will demonstrate your ability to adapt and support the team efficiently.
