Principal Office of the for Wales

SCS Pay Band 1

Closing Date: 23:55 Sunday 12th July 2020 Move your mouse pointer over the buttons Contents below and click for more information

This is an interactive document and is best viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download. Introduction

Why join the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales?

This is a fantastic There can hardly have been a more exciting or OSSW, No10, other Government Departments, the challenging time to be in the Office of the Secretary Welsh Government and a range of private and public opportunity to take on an of State for Wales (OSSW). The Government’s Union sector stakeholders. You will need to have strong exciting role at the heart agenda, particularly in the wake of Covid-19, is one of political nous, an in-depth knowledge of Whitehall and the key priorities for the Prime Minister. Sitting at the an ability to work exceptionally well under pressure. of the Department heart of Government, the Office has a key role to play in The Principal Private Secretary works closely with me in delivering that agenda. leading the department, ensuring a smooth relationship We are a very small department, with around 50 staff between ministers and officials, and communicating and offices in Cardiff and London. We take a close Ministers’ objectives to the wider department. As a interest in any issues that have potential implications visible leader, you will be able to motivate your team for Wales. We collaborate with other Government to create a high performing, confident culture. You will Departments to drive inward investment across a sit on the Departmental Board as a key member of the variety of sectors, increase levels of infrastructure senior leadership team. and connectivity, and harness the development of If you thrive in an exciting and fast paced environment, major industry and R&D. Working alongside the other working closely with Ministers across a wide range of Territorial Offices and the Cabinet Office, as part of topics, then I look forward to your application and to the UK Government’s UK Governance Group, (UKGG) welcoming you to the Office of the Secretary of State we are central to shaping the future of UK inter- for Wales. governmental relations. Best wishes, The role of Principal Private Secretary is critical to providing advice and support to the Secretary of State Glynne Jones for Wales on a range of policy and strategy issues, as Director, Office of the Secretary of State for Wales well as acting as an important interlocutor between The Role

About the role

The Principal Private Secretary is one OSSW is looking for an exceptional individual to You will be confident in forming strong, positive work at the heart of government as the Principal relationships with Ministers, Special Advisers and of the most senior leaders within the Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for senior officials in OSSW, Whitehall, and a range of Office of the Secretary of State for Wales, advising him on a wide range of issues external stakeholders. You will be expected to work Wales (OSSW). that affect or have the potential to affect Wales, closely with No10 and Cabinet Office to represent ensuring first-class support, handling situations on and progress the Secretary of State’s agenda clearly his behalf, facilitating business between OSSW, and with confidence. No10 and other Government Departments, setting This leadership role comes with a large degree strategy, organising and conducting meetings, of influence, responsibility and autonomy. The events and visits. skills and experience the successful candidate The PPS heads the Secretary of State’s team will develop will put them on a strong footing for (comprising nine staff including two Grade progression through the Senior . 7s) and is responsible for his Private Office, an For more information on the Office’s work go to: office supporting two junior Ministers and a https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ Correspondence Unit. wales-office. The successful candidate will be strategic, organised, have strong and concise communication skills, a broad network across Whitehall, and be able to prioritise and handle multiple issues concurrently. The Role

Job Title The Role Principal Private Secretary • Personal support to the Secretary of State along • Ensuring the Secretary of State’s and Minister’s with his Ministerial team and Special Advisers. day-to-day business is transacted efficiently and Location This includes providing advice both on key areas in a timely manner; Gwydyr House, Whitehall London. SW1A 2NP of strategic importance and on how to handle • Managing the workflow through two Private emerging issues – underpinning this with evidence Please note the requirements for travel and level of Offices, identifying and prioritising work to very and providing challenge and support; flexibility available as set out in the FAQs section. tight deadlines; • Enabling Ministers to deliver a range of priorities, Salary • Exemplify the culture and values of the through providing strategic direction and advice to department, acting as a role model for others and £72,000 per annum. the department; operating as part of a collective, collaborative and Existing Civil Servants will be appointed in line with • Working across OSSW and HMG to help negotiate corporate leadership team; and the Civil Service pay rules in place on the date of and influence successful outcomes to deliver the • Building capability, awareness, and performance their appointment. Ministerial team’s priorities; across the Group and Department on engagement Contract Type • Acting as an ambassador for the Secretary of State with Private Office, as well as areas of measurable This role is available on loan or on a fixed term basis in Whitehall (especially Cabinet Office, Treasury performance such as correspondence and for 2 years. and No10) and with external stakeholders, Parliamentary Questions. including the Welsh Government; • Leadership and management of the Private Office Group. Supporting staff to deliver a high level of service to Ministers and the Department while maintaining a positive culture and personal development across three teams; The Role

Organogram

Office of the Secretary of State for Wales, Director SCS PB2

Deputy Director Deputy Director Deputy Director of Principal Private of Constitution & of Policy Communications Secretary Corporate Services (Job Share) SCS PB1 SCS PB1 SCS PB1 SCS PB1 Person Specification

Person Specification

It is important through your CV and Statement of The successful candidate will be able to • Experience of working in a pressurised, fast-paced Suitability that you give evidence and examples of demonstrate exceptional leadership, capability environment, involving high levels of personal proven experience of each of the selection criteria in providing authoritative advice to the organisation; detailed. Secretary of State for Wales while leading an • Demonstrable experience of turning one’s empowered and engaged team and a profile that hand to a variety of different challenges, often matches the following: in ambiguous circumstances, and developing Essential criteria: innovative solutions; • A proven track record of working closely with • Experience of working collaboratively with, and senior Government Ministers and Special Advisers, delivering through, a large and diverse group of and the ability to get under the skin of political internal and external stakeholders. priorities and translate that into concrete actions; Desirable criteria: • Highly developed communication, networking and • Experience of private office will be a strong negotiation skills with the personal presence and advantage given the responsibility of the role. credibility to secure confidence at the most senior levels across Whitehall, particularly in central • An in-depth knowledge of Wales. departments and No10; • Welsh Language skills. • Outstanding management and leadership skills with the proven ability to maintain high- performing motivated teams to deliver at pace on a challenging agenda; Benefits

Benefits of working for the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales is to be the best of themselves, to feel supported and not an employer in its own right. Ministry of Justice have a strong sense of belonging in the workplace. (MoJ) provide employer services on our behalf. Creating a diverse and inclusive workforce is reflected in all of the MoJ people policies and Whatever your role, we take your career and strategies that we adopt, and we offer our staff development seriously, and want to enable you to access to: build a really successful career with the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales and the wider Civil • Diverse talent programs; Service. It is crucial that our employees have the • Mentoring schemes; right skills to develop their careers and meet the challenges ahead, and you’ll benefit from regular • Family friendly policies including generous performance and development reviews to ensure parental and special leave options; this development is ongoing. As a Ministry of Justice employee, you’ll be entitled to a large range of • Flexible working options – including a varied other benefits. working patterns and flexibility to choose how and where you work; Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing • Workplace adjustment support; Our departmental values – collaboration, quality and commitment – are at the heart of our desire • Wellbeing support, including access to our to create a culture where all our people are able Employee Assistance Provider; to thrive and flourish in the workplace. We want • Special leave for active duty reservists; to attract and retain the best talent from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We want everyone • Volunteering days. Benefits

Through our links both through MoJ and UKGG, Pension Childcare Benefits OSSW staff have access to diversity champions Your pension is a valuable part of your total The government has introduced the Tax-Free who work to drive forward and embed equality, reward package. Childcare (TFC) scheme. Working parents can open diversity and inclusion as a core part of both our an online childcare account and for every £8 they A competitive contributory pension scheme that business delivery and in how we support our people. pay in, the government adds £2, up to a maximum you can enter as soon as you join where we will The MoJ and UKGG staff network groups provide of £2000 a year for each child or £4000 for a make a significant contribution to the cost of care and support for their members, offer our policy disabled child. Parents then use the funds to pay for your pension; where your contributions come out makers challenge and critical friendship, champion registered childcare. More information about the of your salary before any tax is taken; and where opportunities, help change our culture and celebrate Tax Free Childcare Scheme can be found on GOV.UK your pension will continue to provide valuable everything that makes our people who we are. or Childcare Choices. benefits for you and your family if you are too ill to MoJ also has an employee health and wellbeing continue to work or die before you retire. Visit www. Onsite facilities strategy which details the wide range of support civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk for more details. available to all staff. The strategy focuses on four Opportunity to use onsite facilities including fitness key wellbeing areas; mental wellbeing, lifestyle Generous Annual Leave and centres and staff canteens (where applicable). including physical wellbeing, financial wellbeing Bank Holiday Allowance Season Ticket and Bicycle Loan and workplace environment – culture and 25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a physical workspaces. Interest-free loans allowing you to spread the cost sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service. This is of an annual travel season ticket or a new bicycle. in addition to 8 public holidays. Sick Pay This will be complemented by one further day paid privilege entitlement to mark the Queen’s Birthday. Occupational sick pay. Recruitment Process

The Recruitment Process

Application 3. As part of the application process you will be Should you encounter any issues with your Please ensure you apply by no later than 23:55 required to complete your diversity information. application please get in touch with SCS Sunday 12th July 2020. All monitoring data will be treated in the Recruitment via: [email protected]. strictest confidence and will not be provided to Selection Process To apply online for this post, you will need to visit the selection panel. We capture this information https://jobs.jobvite.com/mojscscareers, to upload to monitor our internal vacancy filling processes As an internal exercise, this recruitment process will your CV and supporting statement. with a view to ensuring that we continue to build not be led by the Civil Service Commissioners but a talented workforce with diverse perspectives the process will still be governed by the Civil Service Document details: and backgrounds. Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles. 1. A CV setting out your career history, with key 4. In addition to diversity information, you will be Applications will be reviewed by the panel to responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure asked whether you wish to apply for the role as select those which demonstrate the best fit with you have provided reasons for any gaps within part of the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. For the post against the criteria set out in the person the last two years. more information about the scheme, please see specification. Please ensure you keep this in mind 2. A Statement of Suitability (no longer than the FAQs section. when writing your CV and supporting statement. two pages) explaining how you consider your Please submit and complete all of the documents All assessments, discussions including the final personal skills, qualities and experience provide listed so that the panel will have all the required selection panel interview for this role will be evidence of your suitability for the role, with information on which to assess your application undertaken by phone or video conferencing. particular reference to the criteria in the person against the criteria in the person specification. specification. Please note failure to submit a CV and Statement of Suitability will result in your application not being considered for this role. Recruitment Process

Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity However, as candidates will be required to prepare a to speak to the Minister prior to the final selection presentation for their interview, they will be given at panel interview to learn more about the role and least one week’s notice of the subject. the organisation. You will be given further details Assessment about this after the shortlist meeting. You may also have the opportunity to speak to The selection panel will be chaired by Glynne Jones, Glynne Jones, Director, prior to the final interview OSSW Director and will include Geth Williams, to learn more about the role and the organisation. Deputy Director of Constitution & Corporate Please note this is not part of the formal assessment Services; Zainab Agha, Deputy Director, UK process. Devolution Strategy Division; and Kim Tester, OSSW Head of HR. Providing assurance that selection for You will be asked to attend a panel interview in appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the order to have a more in-depth discussion of your Reserve lists basis of fair and open competition. previous experience and professional competence If we receive applications from more suitable in relation to the criteria set out in the Person candidates than we have vacancies for at this time, Shortlist Specification. we may hold suitable applicants on a reserve list for You will receive an acknowledgment of your 12 months, and future vacancies in the Civil Service Full details of the assessment process will be made application through the online process. requiring the same skills and experience could be available to shortlisted candidates. offered to candidates on the reserve list without a The panel will then assess your application to select Offer new competition. those demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering the evidence you have provided against Regardless of the outcome, we will notify all the criteria set out in the ‘Person Specification’ candidates as soon as possible after the final section. Failure to address any or all of these may interview. affect your application. The timeline later in this pack indicates the date by which decisions are expected to be made, and shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter. Recruitment Process

We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for assessments or interviews. You are therefore asked to note the below timetable, exercising flexibility Expected Timeline through the recruitment and selection process, in order to meet the dates given. Please note that these dates may be subject to change.

The anticipated timetable is as follows:

Advert Closing Date 23:55 Sunday 12th July 2020

Shortlist Meeting Week commencing 20th July 2020

Fireside Chats Week commencing 27th July 2020

Interviews Week commencing 3rd August 2020 FAQs

FAQs

Can I apply if I am not currently a civil servant? Where will the role be based? • A European Economic Area (EEA) Member State No. This role is only open to existing civil servants If successful you will be based in Gwydyr House, • Switzerland and those in accredited Non-Departmental Bodies. Whitehall. London. SW1A 2NP. Unfortunately, relocation costs will not be reimbursed. • Turkey Is this role suitable for part-time working? Unfortunately, relocation costs will not be Certain family members of EEA, Switzerland and No. This role is available only on a full-time basis reimbursed. Turkish nationals are also eligible to apply regardless and requires the postholder to also be on-call for of their nationality. which an annual allowance is payable. If you wish Can I claim back any expenses incurred during to discuss your needs in more detail please get in the recruitment process? (*Commonwealth citizens not yet in the UK, who touch with the named point of contact in this pack. No. Unfortunately we will not be able to reimburse have no right of abode in the UK and who do not you, except in exceptional circumstances and only have leave to enter the UK are ineligible to apply.) Will the role involve travel? when agreed in advance. For further information on whether you are eligible Although your base will be in Whitehall, London to apply, please visit Gov.UK. some travel may be required for this role as we What nationality do I need to hold in order to apply? also have an office in Cardiff and many of our This is not a reserved post. stakeholders are in Wales. There may also be To be eligible for employment to this role you must occasional international travel to accompany the be a national from the following countries: Is security clearance required? Secretary of State on visits overseas. Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing • The United Kingdom to obtain, security clearance to DV level. More • The Republic of Ireland information about the vetting process can be found here. • The Commonwealth* FAQs

What reasonable adjustments can be made if Will this role be overseen by the Civil Service What should I do if I think that I have a I have a disability? Commission? conflict of interest? We are committed to making reasonable No. However, the recruitment process will still Candidates must note the requirement to declare adjustments in order to support disabled be governed by the Civil Service Commission’s any interests that might cause questions to be job applicants and ensure that you are Recruitment Principles. raised about their approach to the business of not disadvantaged in the recruitment and the Department. More detailed information can be found on the assessment process. Civil Service Commission website. If you believe that you may have a conflict of If you feel that you may need a reasonable interest please contact SCS Recruitment on What do I do if I want to make a complaint? adjustment to be made, or you would like to discuss [email protected] before submitting your requirements in more detail, please contact The law requires that selection for appointment to your application. [email protected] in the first instance. the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Do you offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme Commission’s Recruitment Principles. for Disabled Persons? If you feel your application has not been treated in Disabled applicants who meet the minimum accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and selection criteria in the job specification are you wish to make a complaint, you should contact guaranteed an interview. Selection will be on merit. [email protected] in the first instance. If you wish to claim a guaranteed interview under the Disability Commitment, you should complete If you are not satisfied with the response you the relevant section of the online application. It is receive from the Department, you can contact the not necessary to state the nature of your disability. Civil Service Commission. FAQs

Data Sharing

We will ensure that we will treat all about working in the civil service can inform 2. Processing is of a specific category of personal decision taken to improve these experiences, and data and it is necessary for the purposes personal information in accordance ultimately organisation performance. of identifying or keeping under review the with data protection legislation, existence or absence of equality of opportunity Sensitive personal data is personal data revealing or treatment between groups of people with a including the General Data racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or view to enabling such equality to be promoted philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, Protection Regulation and Data or maintained. and the processing of genetic data, biometric data Protection Act 2018. for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural 3. Please note if you are successful in your Data Sharing person, data concerning health or data concerning a application your sensitive personal data will be natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation. used as part of the on-boarding process to build To process your application your personal data your employee record. will be shared with the Ministry of Justice SCS The legal basis for processing your sensitive Recruitment Team, campaign Panel Members personal data is: For further information please see the GDPR Privacy Notice. and anyone else necessary as part of the 1. Processing is necessary for reasons of recruitment process. substantial public interest for the exercise of a The legal basis for processing your personal function of the Crown, a Minister of the Crown, data is: or a government department: it is important to know if groups of staff with specific Processing is necessary for the performance of a demographic characteristics have a better task carried out in the public interest. Personal or worse experience of working for the Civil data are processed in the public interest because Service, so that appropriate action can be taken understanding civil servant experiences and feelings to level this experience; Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service welcomes and What’s in it for me? What’s next? encourage applications from We want to maximise the potential of everyone You’ve taken the first step and looked through everyone. We strive for a workforce who chooses to work for us – regardless of this job pack to understand the skills and background. experience needed to perform this role. Now join that is representative of our society us in achieving our ambitions and let us help you If you’re interested in becoming a world class leader, achieve yours. Read more. and pride ourselves as being an developing your career with us – starting with this employer of choice. interesting and challenging role – or doing things differently and inspiring colleagues, then the Civil Service is the place for you. Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development. Contact us

Should candidates like to discuss the role in more detail before submitting an application, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] who will arrange a convenient time for you to meet with the Director.