6339 - Personal Assistant

Join us in shaping a future where nature and people thrive. Whether you are drawn to hands‑on conservation or playing a vital part behind the scenes, your work at Natural England will support lasting benefits for the environment and society.

Our Role

Natural England is the Government’s adviser for the natural environment and the Nature regulator with a wide range of statutory duties and powers. We provide the evidence, expertise and advice to recover Nature and shape better places for people to live. We do this working through and with others.

Priorities

• Drive Nature recovery at a greater scale and faster pace than before by supporting large scale projects and making it easier for landowners to get permissions for Nature positive change.
• Tackle the root causes of Nature’s decline working with Defra partners to ensure cleaner air, clean and plentiful water, healthier soils and rich, productive seas.
• Partner with planners and developers on “high nature; low carbon” houses, energy and transport infrastructure and introduce strategic solutions so development can also protect and restore Nature.
• Support food security and sustainable farming, forestry and fishing through targeted advice and the right mix of public and private finance.
• Shape better places for people to work and live by providing clear evidence and advice to our partners, using spatial plans for Nature as a framework for investment and joined up action.
• Connect communities with Nature and create Nature close to people’s homes, ensuring everyone gains from the health benefits Nature can bring.

Job Description

To provide an excellent service to Natural England’s Directors, working with their senior officer and helping them to operate effectively to deliver organisational objectives and targets that contribute to Natural England’s vision, mission and goals. You will lead by example to keep Natural England a safe organisation providing expert advice and guidance. You will support our Board and NEXCO in providing effective direction. Together we will encourage ongoing creativity and innovation needed to assist Natural England develop the tools to achieve our Goals and Objectives.

Key Tasks / Principal Accountabilities

• Develop an in‑depth understanding and knowledge of the directors’ key objectives, business priorities and direct reports along with Natural England’s governance structures and processes in order to provide advice and guidance to others.
• Proactively manage the director’s busy mailbox; prioritise, filter and respond to requests on their behalf.
• Be responsible for diary management and arranging meetings, 121’s or telecalls with internal and external customers with a high regard for excellent service.
• Arrange and book travel and hotel accommodation, desks, meeting rooms and conference facilities while demonstrating compliance with ‘Travel, Accommodation and Related Expenses Policy’ and ensuring ‘Health, Safety and Wellbeing’ practices are followed.
• Deal with any issues in the day‑to‑day role, exercising professional judgement in making recommendations or decisions and escalating issues accordingly.
• Build and sustain effective relationships with a range of internal and external customers based on understanding customers’ needs and priorities, providing advice and guidance and efficient delivery of service to make a positive impact to achieve the best outcomes.
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement of processes, systems, and standards in order to develop new ways of working or suitable solutions that will have a positive impact on work delivery.
• Mentor other newly appointed personal Assistants, as part of your own and their development.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Use clear and appropriate language, communication styles and techniques that engage your audience.
• Be ambitious, identify and adopt ways to make improvements in your team and Natural England and inspire others to act.
• Share expertise and knowledge with people and networks so that you can develop together.
• Respect the diverse needs and experience of other people, be inclusive in everything that you do.
• Listen to and understand our diverse partners and customers so that you achieve the best outcomes for them and Natural England.
• Nurture trusting partnerships and collaborate to achieve pragmatic outcomes that help deliver Natural England’s vision, mission and aims.
• Manage and deliver your work to meet agreed targets and deadlines.
• Handle data responsibly, understand your role in good governance, and comply with delegations, policies and procedures.
• Be a competent user of Microsoft Office, SharePoint online.

Benefits

At Natural England, we support a healthy work‑life balance by offering full‑time, part‑time, and flexible working arrangements. We provide excellent opportunities for career progression, training, and development tailored to your role. This includes ten days annually for personal learning and development, plus three additional days for volunteering. You’ll receive a generous leave allowance of 33 days per year (pro‑rata), access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, and a range of benefits such as shopping discounts and a cycle‑to‑work scheme. Staff can also join the Civil Service Sport club for discounts on sports, leisure activities, and social events. We are committed to fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Our employee‑led diversity networks help foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.