JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose

This is a high-profile and exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the Ministry of Justice as part of the private office of the Director General People & Capability and MoJ’s Chief People Officer (CPO).

The Private Secretary plays a critical role in ensuring the CPO’s priorities are clearly understood, effectively driven, and well communicated at the most senior levels across the department. The postholder will work closely with the CPO, the Senior Leadership Team, and colleagues across the People & Capability Group, acting as a key interface with Ministers’ offices, the Permanent Secretary, ExCo members and stakeholders across the wider Civil Service.

You will be part of a high‑performing private office team supporting the CPO across his full portfolio including across the HR profession, helping to lead and strengthen the MoJ People & Capability of around 1100 colleagues. This role requires excellent judgement, strong organisation, and the confidence to operate credibly with senior leaders. You will need to be adaptable, calm under pressure, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high-quality service.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an overview of all key issues requiring the CPO’s attention, acting as a trusted conduit between the CPO, People & Capability Group Directors and the wider organisation; anticipating risks, resolving issues proactively, and providing timely advice and support.

• Lead within the CPO’s Private Office, deputising for the Chief of Staff where required, to deliver a seamless, high‑quality service that ensures the CPO’s time is used effectively and he is well briefed on emerging priorities and risks. The role involves line managing a Deputy Private Secretary and an Assistant Private Secretary.

• Build and sustain strong relationships across the department, including with Ministers’ offices, the Permanent Secretary’s office, Executive Committee members, People Function colleagues and senior leaders across MoJ.

• Own and drive a varied and high-profile portfolio of work on behalf of the DG Group, supporting delivery of the CPO’s strategic priorities.

Travel

Travel to London and Manchester will be required on an ad hoc basis, but we will provide plenty of notice and work in line with any personal/caring responsibilities you may have. This travel will be included as part of your in-office days.

Essential criteria

1. Leadership and Stakeholder Management - proven ability to lead others and manage complex relationships with senior stakeholders, including Ministers, Directors and/or ExCo-level leaders, operating with credibility, sound judgement and confidence.

2. Strategic Thinking and Problem‑Solving - demonstrable ability to anticipate challenges, identify and manage risks, and resolve issues proactively in fast paced environments, balancing competing priorities while supporting delivery of senior strategic objectives.

3. Communicating and Influencing upwards - excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience of drafting and delivering clear, high-quality advice and briefings for senior leaders, influencing effectively, managing upwards, and remaining composed under pressure.

4. Private Office and HR Experience - experience of working in a private office and/or closely supporting senior leaders in complex organisational settings, alongside strong knowledge of people, HR or organisational issues. This may include CIPD membership or equivalent professional HR experience.

Application process:

You will be assessed against the Civil service success profiles framework at level for this post.

Sift

Experience:

• Please provide an anonymised CV.

• Statement of Suitability (750 words) - Please use your statement to tell us about your experience against the responsibilities and essential criteria listed in the job description.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be undertaken using CV.

Interview:

Please note that interviews will be held remotely.

During the interview, we will be assessing you on Experience and Strengths based questions.

Experience topics will be around the four essential criteria:

• Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Strategic Thinking and Problem‑Solving

• Communication and Influence

• Private Office and HR / People experience