Private Secretary to The Director

**Details**:
**Reference number**:

- 388597

**Salary**:

- £33,015 - £40,110
- National: £33,015 - £35,655; London: £37,150 - £40,110 (pro rata for part-time working)
- A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

**Job grade**:

- Higher Executive Officer

**Contract type**:

- Permanent

**Business area**:

- DSIT - Science, Innovation and Growth - Roles available in directorates across the group

**Type of role**:

- Administration / Corporate Support

**Working pattern**:

- Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

**Number of jobs available**:

- 2

Contents

Location

About the job

**Benefits**:
Things you need to know

Location
- Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Salford

About the job

**Job summary**:
At DSIT we’re all about improving people’s lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.

We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.

We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Government’s 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving people’s lives. Whether it’s researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

**Our Inclusive Environment**

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.

**Find Out More**

**Job description**:

- We have two Private Secretary roles available - one is for the Technology & Innovative Regulation (TIR) directorate and the other is for the newly created Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO). You'll be working closely with the Director, Corporate Business Manager, and wider teams. Both directorates are diverse and supportive teams, dedicated to innovation and a positive work environment.

The TIR director overseas interesting technology policy areas including Quantum and Engineering Biology, with a focus on national and economic security. TIR also lead on emerging technologies such as robotics, advanced materials etc. and is now spearheading the government's new industrial strategy.

The RIO has been created to help businesses by bringing new products and services to market through innovations - such as AI training software for surgeons or drones making critical deliveries quickly.It will reduce the burden of red tape on innovation and help kickstart economic growth.

As a Private Secretary, you'll be the essential go-to person for the Director. This role suits anyone who is self-motivated, organized, and has excellent interpersonal skills. Whether you're a diary manager seeking new challenges or looking for more policy exposure, the role offers fantastic growth opportunities.

**Person specification**:
As Private Secretary, you will play an essential role in supporting the director and understanding their priorities to help them maximise their time. To achieve this, you will develop a deep understanding of the TIR portfolio and the wider departmental strategic picture.

Your main responsibilities will include:
1. Managing the Director’s inbox, prioritizing meeting requests and taking appropriate actions. This includes prioritising incoming mail to ensure key deadlines are met.
2. Ensuring all briefing materials and papers are provided in advance, and commissioning requests for information and briefings on key issues as needed.
4. Overseeing the Director’s travel and logistics to ensure appropriate arrangements are made.
5. Assisting the Director with ad-hoc requests such as secretariat support, attending meetings, managing SCS recruitment campaigns, expense claims etc.
6. Assisting the Corporate Business Manager with some business support functions ie. maintaining organograms, distribution lists etc.

**Skills and Experience**

TIR and the RIO are both looking for a proactive, organised Private Secretary who can keep the Director well-organised and act on their behalf.

Prior experience is not necessary for this role, but we want to hear from you if you have:

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, building networks with staff across all grades and manage upwards effectively.
- Strong organisation skills, managing competing deadlines at pace and rapidly respond to changing priorities at short notice.
- Show high levels of judgement on a broad range of issues, often dealing with varied and sensit