Private Secretary x3

The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate's name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.

Vacancy title

Private Secretary x3 - Welsh Essential

Closing date

05/11/2025, 16:00

Advertising basis

Permanent

Actual starting salary

£35,787

Salary range or pay band

HEO £35,787 to £43,759

Allowances

Yes

Allowance

Other

Allowance

Private Secretary Allowance - £2,500 per annum

Work pattern

Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)

Group

First Minister's Group

Directorate

Cabinet Office

Branch

Private Office

Location (s)

Cardiff

Main office base

Other

Specific Location

Cardiff but with a requirement for working from Ty Hywel and Cathays Park in support of Ministers on days to be agreed with Line Manager

Purpose of post

As we look ahead to Senedd reform, it's an exciting time to work at the heart of Welsh Government.

Private Office roles offer a unique opportunity to work directly with Ministers in a fast-paced, high-profile environment, providing valuable insight into how government operates and how decisions are made.

Purpose of the Role

To provide effective, day-to-day support to a Cabinet Secretary or Minister, helping manage their portfolio and priorities. Private Secretaries play a key role in coordinating Ministerial business, articulating Ministerial views, and ensuring smooth operations.

Depending on the post, you may lead a small team or work under a Senior Private Secretary. These roles require strong communication skills, sound political judgement, and the ability to influence, negotiate and manage competing demands. They're ideal for individuals who thrive under pressure, enjoy working collaboratively, and want to make a meaningful impact at the centre of public service.

For further information on the benefits of working at Welsh Government and an insight into our Private Office and Cabinet Secretariat, please follow this link:

Careers in private office and cabinet secretariat | GOV.WALES

Key tasks

Key tasks will consist of but not be limited to:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Directors and policy leads within Departments, other Private Office staff, Special Advisers and where necessary Constituency/MS Support Staff;
• Communicate Ministerial requirements clearly and concisely to policy officials and develop an awareness of relevant policies and programmes;
• Consider the quality, appropriateness and timeliness of advice, briefings, speeches, correspondence and answers to Senedd Questions and commission remedial action where necessary;
• Co-ordinate delivery of Cabinet, Plenary and Scrutiny business for Ministers;
• Provide summary advice to Ministers on MAs and correspondence, flagging up any issues which require particular attention;
• Ensure the Minister's daily folder of business is accurate and that arrangements are in place for the Minister to be delivered to meetings, engagements and the Senedd for Senedd Business; accompanying the Minister to meetings and engagements when required;
• Develop a knowledge and understanding of the Ministerial Code and be prepared to advise Ministers, as situations demand.

Personal qualities

Private Secretaries operate at the heart of Government and successful candidates will be able to demonstrate sound political judgement and an ability to work to tight deadlines in a fast-moving, high-profile environment. You will need to negotiate with and influence others, challenge constructively on behalf of Ministers where necessary, and help policy colleagues understand and respond to Ministers' particular requirements.

Strong communication skills – both oral and written – and a high degree of tact and diplomacy are necessary, particularly in articulating Ministers' views. Private Secretaries are frequently called upon to resolve potentially difficult situations and need to do so in conjunction with their line mangers, Head of Cabinet Division, Special Advisers and Directors.

Development opportunities

Private office roles have more day-to-day interactions with ministers than almost any other role in Welsh Government. As such it is an opportunity to develop skills in working closely with ministers and senior officials.

You will also gain a unique and valuable insight into how decisions are made which complement policy-based experience and add to the suite of skills required as a Civil Servant.

Other vacancy related information

• Roles will be appointed in merit order with those scoring highest being offered permanent posts.
• A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.
• A written assessment on Delivering at Pace will be required at 'Interview stage. More information will be provided in the invitations to that stage
• In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Delivering at Pace. Candidates who pass the initial sift will be progressed to a full sift
• Due to the operational requirement of the role, we can accommodate a minimum of 30 hours per week part time working.
• Welsh language skills are essential for this role. Candidates may complete their application form in either English or Welsh. However, please ensure your response to the 'Experience 1' criterion is completed in the alternative language to your main application, as the panel requires evidence of written competence in both English and Welsh. Similarly, at interview, the 'Experience 1' question will be asked in the alternative language to assess listening, understanding, and speaking skills.
• In the event of two or more candidates having the same total score at interview the panel will consider : Delivering at pace, if still tied then revert to highest score on Making Effective Decisions

Vetting level

CTC - Candidates applying for a role that requires CTC clearance must have normally resided in the UK for a minimum of 3 years out of the last 5

Number of posts

3

Contact point for further information regarding the post