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- Tasks: Support the Chair with administrative tasks and manage a small team.
- Company: Join the PHSO, a vital service ensuring fairness in NHS and public complaints.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative strategy to improve public services and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and the ability to influence at all levels are essential.
- Other info: Regular travel to Manchester is required for team management.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are the final stage for complaints about the NHS in England and public services delivered by the UK Government. We look into complaints where someone believes there has been injustice or hardship because an organisation has not acted properly or fairly or has given a poor service and not put things right.
Our service is free for everyone.
About the role
We are looking for an Assistant Private Secretary (APS) to join our Executive Office team to provide support to our Chair.
The PHSO has embarked upon a three year strategy to become an exemplary ombudsman service by providing an independent, impartial and fair complaints resolution service to help raise standards and improve public services. The organisation’s Chair and Chief Executive are central to delivering this transformation by providing effective leadership to the Board and the Executive Team.
The Chair and Chief Executive are supported in their roles by the Executive Office which ensures that they are able to deliver on their corporate priorities. The office is managed by the Chief of Staff, who provides high-level strategic and policy support to the organisation’s senior leaders.
The post-holder will have three broad areas of responsibility:
Delivering the Chair’s priorities
The APS will need to develop an understanding of the key corporate priorities of the Chair, and work with the Chief of Staff to progress them both internally and externally. This will require initiative, the capacity to influence people at all levels, and an ability to make decisions in a fast-paced and complex environment.
Providing personal support
The APS will need to ensure that the Chair is provided with a high level of comprehensive administrative support. This will involve complex diary management, commissioning briefings, preparing papers for meetings, note taking, monitoring and producing correspondence, arranging travel and accommodation, and managing expenses.
Managing a small team
The APS manages a small team within the Executive Office, including one Executive Assistant and one Business Support Officer. The team is based across the London and Manchester offices, so regular travel to Manchester will be required in order to carry out the relevant line management responsibilities.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted via our e –recruitment site no later than 10:00am on 28th June. Interviews and assessments are due to take place W/C 18th July
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Assistant Private Secretary employer: The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Contact Detail:
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Private Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key corporate priorities of the Chair and the overall mission of the PHSO. Understanding their strategic goals will help you demonstrate your alignment with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing examples of how you've effectively managed complex schedules or projects in the past. This will highlight your ability to handle the fast-paced environment of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the PHSO or similar organisations. Gaining insights from their experiences can provide you with valuable information about the culture and expectations of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experience managing teams. As the APS, you'll be overseeing a small team, so demonstrating your capability in this area will be crucial during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Private Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Assistant Private Secretary position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as diary management and team leadership, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience that aligns with the role's requirements. Focus on your administrative support skills, ability to manage a team, and any experience in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your understanding of the organisation's mission. Mention how you can contribute to the Chair’s priorities and the overall goals of the PHSO.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the Assistant Private Secretary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
✨Understand the Organisation's Priorities
Before your interview, make sure to research the key corporate priorities of the Chair and the overall mission of the organisation. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of their goals and how you can contribute to achieving them.
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with complex diary management, preparing meeting papers, and handling correspondence. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed similar tasks in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
As the role involves managing a small team, be ready to talk about your leadership style and any previous experience in team management. Share examples of how you've motivated and supported team members to achieve their objectives.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle challenging situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to influence others or make quick decisions, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.