Logo of Huzzle

Deputy Private Secretary

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Government & Politics
    People, HR & Administration
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You must be a proactive problem solver, skilled in relationship building, able to manage competing priorities, communicate effectively, and influence senior leaders with professionalism.
  • You will advise the Permanent Secretary, manage stakeholders, oversee corporate functions, and collaborate within the Governance and Legislation Team.

Requirements

  • Be a proactive and flexible problem solver with excellent judgement in identifying who to engage at each step of a policy problem and an instinct to work collaboratively to achieve a shared outcome. (Lead Criteria)
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, with evidence of curating and maintaining a positive and efficient network.
  • A track record in confidently delivering at pace whilst effectively managing a heavy workload, demonstrating the ability to manage competing priorities and filter workflow, all whilst providing a quality service.
  • Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) with precise attention to detail.
  • Evidence of having worked confidently with, and having influenced senior leaders, progressing priorities while maintaining a high degree of professionalism and personal resilience.

Responsibilities

  • Advise and work directly with the Permanent Secretary and Executive team to support them in delivering the department’s priorities. In doing so, they will an interesting department and customer-focussed portfolio, which includes supporting the Permanent Secretary on his internal communications, HR, propriety and ethics, staff/ customer experience, commercial and cross-cutting enablers. As ever, portfolios are subject to change as priorities shift.
  • Work with senior stakeholders across the Department, including policy and operations, as well as across Whitehall, to effectively support the Permanent Secretary to discharge their duties
  • Leading the corporate function for the team, including line management of the diary/ officer manager.
  • Be an active member of the Governance and Legislation Team.

FAQs

What is the job title for this position?

The job title for this position is Deputy Private Secretary.

Where is the job located?

The job is located at Caxton House, London, SW1H 9NA.

Is there an option for hybrid working?

Yes, hybrid working is encouraged where possible, but the team is typically in the office 4-5 days a week.

What are the key responsibilities of the Deputy Private Secretary?

The key responsibilities include advising the Permanent Secretary, supporting senior stakeholders, managing the corporate function, and being an active member of the Governance and Legislation Team.

What skills are essential for this role?

Essential skills include problem-solving, strong interpersonal abilities, effective communication, and the capacity to manage competing priorities.

What kind of experience is required for this position?

Candidates should have a track record of delivering at pace, engaging with senior leaders, and handling a heavy workload effectively.

What will the selection process involve?

The selection process will involve a sift of applications based on a personal statement and an interview with behavior-based questions, strength-based questions, and an exercise assessing drafting skills.

What is the salary for this role?

The salary for this role is £48,468, with an additional £14,041 contributed towards a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

What benefits does DWP offer?

DWP offers benefits such as flexible working patterns, generous annual leave, support for financial wellbeing, health and wellbeing assistance, family-friendly policies, and funded learning and development.

How long will a reserve list be held after the selection process?

A reserve list will be held for up to 12 months to fill future similar vacancies.

Are there any nationality requirements for this position?

Yes, the position is open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, certain Commonwealth nationals, and others with legal status to work in the UK.

What should candidates do if they require reasonable adjustments during the application process?

Candidates should contact the Government Recruitment Service before the closing date to discuss their needs and complete the "Reasonable Adjustments" section in the application form.

What is the emphasis of the DWP regarding diversity and inclusion?

The DWP is committed to attracting, retaining, and investing in talent from diverse backgrounds, promoting equal opportunities, and welcoming applications from underrepresented groups.

Who should I contact for more information about the job?

For more information, you can contact Jessica Thain at Jessica.Thain@dwp.gov.uk.

Will there be a criminal record check for successful candidates?

Yes, successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check as part of the pre-employment screening process.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy.

Government
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1948
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the UK’s largest government department and is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. It administers the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits, serving around 20 million customers. DWP is responsible for understanding and dealing with the causes of poverty rather than its symptoms encouraging people to work and making work pay encouraging disabled people and those with ill health to work and be independent providing a decent income for people of pension age and promoting saving for retirement providing value for money and reducing levels of fraud and error reducing work-related death and serious injury in workplaces through the Health and Safety Executive DWP is a fast paced organisation which puts leadership at the centre of its transformation journey. The majority of DWP colleagues are part of the Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) – providing customer service to DWP’s 20 million customers across the UK. ODP is a thriving, inclusive professional community that supports colleagues and encourages them to learn, develop, grow and progress in their career to reach their full potential.