Principal Private Secretary Office of the Secretary of State for Wales
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Principal Private Secretary Office of the Secretary of State 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 Civil Service. 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.