2146 - Principal Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary


Company:	Ministry of Justice
Salary:	£81,000 to £117,800 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	LONDON, SW1H 9AJ
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	10 Sept 2026
Closing date:	27 Sept 2026

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Summary

This is one of the most senior and visible Private Office roles in Government, offering a unique opportunity to work at the centre of Civil Service and ministerial decision-making and support the Permanent Secretary for one of government’s biggest and most complex departments.

As Principal Private Secretary, you will play a pivotal role in enabling the Permanent Secretary to fulfil a wide-ranging portfolio of responsibilities spanning justice policy, constitutional matters and cross-government priorities.

You will help her provide high quality advice to the Lord Chancellor and ministerial team, oversee the running complex operational agencies and play a leading role with other Heads of Department across government.

You will be trusted advisor to the Permanent Secretary and lead two Heads of Office who manage the Private Offices for the Permanent Secretary and Second Permanent Secretary. You will provide effective leadership to ensure that they receive the right advice, briefing and support at the right time.

The role sits at the centre of a complex network of relationships across the department, Whitehall and the wider justice system. You will work closely with Executive Team members and their teams,, the Cabinet Office, No10, HM Treasury and ministerial Private Office, ensuring that emerging issues, strategic priorities and sensitive matters are managed effectively.

You will have a close working relationship with your counterpart Principal Private Secretary to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.

This is a demanding but highly rewarding leadership role that requires exceptional judgement, political awareness, resilience and the ability to operate confidently in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment. It offers unparalleled exposure to the workings of government at the highest levels and the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the delivery of ministerial priorities and the effective functioning of the justice system.

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