At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Director with effective communication and organisation in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Office for National Statistics, a leader in data and statistics.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience with MS Office required.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns and opportunities for professional growth await you.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 Β£ per year.
Join to apply for the Personal Assistant to Director role at Office for National Statistics.
Key Information
- Pay range: Office for National Statistics provided pay range (actual pay will be based on skills and experience).
- Location: Newport and Titchfield (Fareham).
- Flexible hybrid working model β 40% minimum office attendance.
- Working patterns: Full time, Part time, Flexible working, Job Share.
- Closing date: Apply before 11:55pm on Thursday 18th December 2025.
Key Skills and Responsibilities
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written format, and comfortable liaising with people at all levels across the organisation.
- Highly organised with the ability to prioritise work effectively, managing competing demands under pressure to ensure deadlines are met and information is quickly and easily located and understood.
- Ability to flex personal working style to meet the needs of the Director / Deputy Director(s).
- Excellent attention to detail, producing high quality work.
- Experience of using the MS Office suite.
Application Process
Assessment at application stage will be based on your CV and the evidence given in the three set questions contained in the application form. Your CV should be tailored to demonstrate relevant skills, knowledge and experience but it wonβt be scored. In your application form you are required to answer the questions below using up to 250 words on each answer. As these responses to the questions are scored, we recommend that you give clear examples for each including the impact of your actions.
- As a PA you will need to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders both internally and externally, how have you demonstrated effective communication that achieved a positive outcome?
- In this role, you may support more than one Senior Leader. How have you adapted your working style to ensure you have delivered a quality service to stakeholders with varying demands?
- In this role, you will need to demonstrate good initiative, can you describe a time when you had competing priorities and tight deadlines? How did you organise your workload and ensure accuracy?
Applicants may utilise AI resources in their submissions; ensuring all information provided is factually accurate, truthful, and original, avoiding any form of plagiarism to maintain the authenticity and credibility of the application process.
Security Clearance
For ONS, the requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for 3 consecutive years immediately prior to applying.
Benefits
- Hybrid working and flexi-time so you can work around your life, not the other way around!
- A market leading pension scheme β employer contribution rate is around 29%
- A choice of working patterns β full-time, part-time, job-share.
- Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of 26 weeks full pay (subject to qualifying criteria).
- Opportunities to learn new technology & skills on the job, utilising blocked out Protected Learning Time in your weekly schedule and taking advantage of the support of our Communities of Practice.
- Employee Assistance Programmes.
- Diversity Network Groups.
- Mental Health Allies.
- Civil Service Sports and Social club.
- Generous holiday allowance β 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years service in addition to 9 public holidays.
For more information about this role, a full application pack, and to apply, please hit APPLY to be taken to Civil Service Jobs.
Personal Assistant to Director employer: Office for National Statistics
Contact Detail:
Office for National Statistics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant to Director
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research the Office for National Statistics and understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires effective communication with various stakeholders, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you articulate your experiences clearly and confidently.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! Prepare examples of how you've managed competing priorities in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about the role and the benefits that come with it.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant to Director
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Personal Assistant role. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: When tackling the application questions, take your time to provide clear examples. Weβre looking for specific instances where you demonstrated effective communication or managed competing priorities, so donβt hold back on the details!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: As a PA, being organised is key! In your application, give us a glimpse of how you prioritise tasks and manage deadlines. We want to know how you keep everything running smoothly, even under pressure.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, youβll find all the info you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for National Statistics
β¨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Personal Assistant to the Director. Familiarise yourself with the Office for National Statistics and its mission. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
β¨Tailor Your Examples
When answering the application questions, use specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your communication skills, adaptability, and ability to manage competing priorities. Make sure these examples are relevant to the key skills mentioned in the job description.
β¨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or family member. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing how you've handled tight deadlines or adapted your working style. This will help you feel more comfortable during the actual interview.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Consider asking about the team dynamics or how success is measured in the PA role.