Senior Secretary

Division / Department - Public Protection
Grade - Grade 8
Status - Full Time or Happy to Talk Flexible Working
Contract Type - Secondment
Salary Grade Range - £27,747 - £29,649
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - No
Politically Restricted - No
Location - Haywards Heath

**_The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time._**

Chief Constables' Message

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.

We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

**Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner**

The Role & Key Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly organised and experienced Senior Secretary to join the Public Protection department, providing critical support to the Senior Management Team in delivering strategic and operational objectives.

**About the Role**

This is a varied and demanding position requiring discretion, initiative, and excellent communication skills. You will be part of a small, dedicated team of secretaries within Public Protection, and a wider professional network across Sussex Police. You will work closely with senior leaders—both police officers and police staff—who are committed to delivering on the force’s priorities with integrity and purpose.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Diary and Time Management: Proactively manage complex calendars, liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective use of time and prioritisation of commitments.
- Meeting and Event Coordination: Organise and facilitate meetings and events, maintaining accurate records and documentation to support decision-making and accountability.
- Anticipatory Support: Understand the priorities of the management team and anticipate needs, ensuring relevant information and personnel are available for key engagements.
- Professional Conduct: Represent the department with professionalism and discretion, maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating sound judgement in all interactions.
- Independent Working: Operate with autonomy, building effective networks across the organisation to support delivery and problem-solving.

Skills & Experience
- Possess advanced Microsoft Office skills and demonstrate strong general IT literacy, including experience with SharePoint, Outlook inbox management, and complex diary coordination.
- Have a proven track record of organisational excellence, with the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure and with mínimal supervision.
- Take a proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving, anticipating needs and responding effectively to changing demands.
- Have experience in a secretarial role, including operational support as a Loggist and/or Secretary.
- Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to format documents professionally and concisely.
- Ideally have experience in coaching or mentoring others, contributing to the development of team capability.
- Be a collaborative team player, capable of identifying service improvements and working constructively with colleagues across all levels.
- Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Exhibit a high degree of integrity, confidence in decision-making, and a willingness to undertake training in additional IT and multimedia systems as required.

Why Work With Us?

Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working. We are open to conversations about job shares and part time working. We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi-time and home working.

We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;
- career progression
- contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
- generous annual leave allowance
- discounts for everyday spend
- on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs
- generous and supportive parental leave
- financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
- discounted contributory healthcare scheme

Further Information

Diversity Statement

We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide in