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Job Summary
DWP is looking to fill the Principal Private Secretary role in the Policy Group.
Role
The Principal Private Secretary plays a high-profile and critical role within DWP, working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Their primary focus is acting as a trusted adviser to the DWP Secretary of State, managing that relationship and supporting the Secretary of State in delivering DWP priorities. Responsibilities include:
* Advising and supporting the Secretary of State in their oversight of the department and delivery of objectives.
* Leading Private Office, ensuring effective support for Ministers and the department.
* Overseeing ministerial correspondence, legislation, Parliament, and the Secretary of State’s Implementation and Delivery Unit.
* Acting as a bridge between the Secretary of State, senior civil servants, policy and operational experts.
* Building strong relationships with the Prime Minister's and Chancellor's offices.
* Collaborating across DWP with Senior Officials, Ministers, Special Advisers, and stakeholders.
Virtual Engagement Session
Date: 18th June 2025 | Time: 14:00 – 15:00
This virtual session offers insight into the role, featuring the vacancy holder Emily Antcliffe and HR Director Carrie Rodgers, with a Q&A session. Join the live event.
Job Description
As the largest public service department in the UK, we seek a dynamic leader to help navigate upcoming challenges. This role offers an opportunity to work at the heart of government, advising and supporting senior leadership on governance and accountability. It involves leadership of the Departmental Governance and Legislation Division, working with a busy Private Office and ministerial team on cross-cutting priorities. Refer to the attached candidate pack for key responsibilities.
Person Specification
The successful candidate must demonstrate:
* Experience in policy and political environments with senior stakeholders.
* Highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills, including establishing credibility, presenting complex issues simply, influencing decisions, delivering results, handling uncertainty, and exercising judgment.
Leadership Skills
* Inspirational leadership, engaging people, simplifying complexity.
* Visible, positive, collaborative leadership.
* Ability to build capable, inclusive, high-performing teams.
* Contribute to the wider leadership team.
Behaviours
Assessment during the process will focus on:
* Leadership
* Communicating and Influencing
* Delivering at Pace
* Making Effective Decisions
Benefits
Salary: £81,000 plus £23,465 Civil Service Pension contribution. Benefits include flexible working, generous leave, health and wellbeing support, family policies, funded development, and an inclusive environment.
Application Process
Apply online by 12:00 midday on 30th June 2025, including:
* A CV with career history, responsibilities, achievements, and explanations for any gaps in the last two years.
* A personal statement (max 1250 words) demonstrating your suitability based on the criteria.
Refer to the attached candidate pack for more details. Feedback will only be provided post-interview or assessment.
Security & Eligibility
Successful candidates require a developed vetting security check and criminal record check. The role is open to UK nationals, Irish, Commonwealth, EU/EEA, or Turkish nationals with the appropriate rights to work, and those with settled or pre-settled status under the EUSS.
Additional Information
The Civil Service recruits on merit, promotes diversity, and offers schemes for candidates with disabilities and those at risk of redundancy. Appointment is governed by the Civil Service Code and recruitment principles.
Contact
For inquiries, contact DWP Senior Recruitment at Senior.recruitment@dwp.gov.uk.
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