20972 - Assistant Private Secretary


Company:	Ministry of Justice
Salary:	£40,014 - £42,859
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	LONDON, SW1H 9AJ
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	10 Aug 2026
Closing date:	24 Aug 2026

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Summary

Assistant Private Secretary at the Ministry of Justice

HEO posts

Private Office and Parliament Directorate

Want to see how government really works? Join a team at the heart of ministerial decision-making, where every day brings new challenges, direct exposure to Ministers, and the chance to develop skills that will serve you throughout your career. We'll support you with active development opportunities and the chance to work flexibly in a team that values your contribution.

The Private Office and Parliament (POP) Directorate is recruiting for multiple HEO Assistant Private Secretaries (or similar private office roles). The exact portfolios these roles will cover are still to be confirmed (and will depend on the successful candidate) but will likely be in the private office of either the Courts or Prisons Minister. A reserve list will also be maintained in case of future vacancies. This campaign is open to current civil servants on level transfer and suitable candidates on promotion.

Location:

Successful candidates will be based at 102 Petty France, London.

About the role

We're recruiting for at least two Assistant Private Secretary roles in a busy, dynamic team at the heart of government. This is your chance to work directly with a minister, providing expert advice and support that shapes decisions on issues that matter.

What you'll do: You'll lead on part of a ministerial portfolio, ensuring your minister is briefed, prepared and informed at every turn. You will make sure they have the right information and structure to make informed decisions. You'll be the vital link between the minister and the wider department, working with officials at all levels and representing your minister in the department and across Whitehall. From solving problems at pace to ensuring follow-up on key actions, you'll be trusted to make effective decisions in a fast-moving environment.

What we're looking for: Someone who thrives on building relationships, stays calm under pressure, and enjoys the challenge of keeping multiple plates spinning. You'll need strong interpersonal skills, excellent organisation, and the confidence to provide credible advice to ministers and engage with senior officials.

Why join us: This is an exciting time to be part of the Private Office and Parliament (POP) directorate. We're a friendly, collegiate team that supports each other to succeed in these demanding but rewarding roles. With a range of corporate workstreams and a culture of learning, POP is a place where you can develop, thrive and make a real impact.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone who has experience of:

Essential:

Providing high quality advice and effective decision making. You should know how to analyse and use information to support ministerial decision making, knowing how to involve others and invite challenge when appropriate.

You will be an effective communicator, knowing how to communicate in a straightforward and engaging manner, sharing information with colleagues as appropriate and taking into account different opinions and views.

Experience of building effective professional relationships with others to identify risks and resolve issues efficiently. You will know how to involve a diverse range of colleagues, stakeholders and delivery partners in developing suggestions for improvements and provide an effective channel of communication for the Minister with other private offices, the Department, the rest of Whitehall, Parliament and the public.

Someone that uses their relationships, judgement and understanding of the wider context to support the Minister in their work and to add value to the process and substance of decision making, ensuring financial and ethical probity. You should be engaging, trustworthy and unafraid to challenge peers and senior colleagues.

You will be a collaborative, empathetic and inspiring team player, knowing how to effectively work within a team, escalate issues where appropriate and work together with others to deliver work to a high standard, often delivering at pace.

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