Overview
Join to apply for the Senior Secretary role at Surrey and Sussex Police
Division / Department - Public Protection
Grade - Grade 8
Status - Full Time or Happy to Talk Flexible Working
Contract Type - Secondment
Salary Grade Range - £27,747 - £29,649
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
Location - Haywards Heath
The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.
The Role & Key Responsibilities
We are seeking a highly organised and experienced Senior Secretary to join the Public Protection department, providing critical support to the Senior Management Team in delivering strategic and operational objectives. Public Protection is a dynamic and high-impact area of policing, encompassing complex safeguarding investigations and multi-agency collaboration. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of senior leadership functions, contributing to the department\'s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and delivering high-quality policing outcomes.
This is a varied and demanding position requiring discretion, initiative, and excellent communication skills. You will be part of a small, dedicated team of secretaries within Public Protection, and a wider professional network across Sussex Police. You will work closely with senior leaders—both police officers and police staff—who are committed to delivering on the force\'s priorities with integrity and purpose.
Key Responsibilities
* Diary and Time Management: Proactively manage complex calendars, liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective use of time and prioritisation of commitments.
* Correspondence and Communication: Draft and prepare professional correspondence, monitor and triage emails, and ensure timely delegation and follow-up where appropriate.
* Meeting and Event Coordination: Organise and facilitate meetings and events, maintaining accurate records and documentation to support decision-making and accountability.
* Anticipatory Support: Understand the priorities of the management team and anticipate needs, ensuring relevant information and personnel are available for key engagements.
* Professional Conduct: Represent the department with professionalism and discretion, maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating sound judgement in all interactions.
* Independent Working: Operate with autonomy, building effective networks across the organisation to support delivery and problem-solving.
Skills & Experience
* Possess advanced Microsoft Office skills and demonstrate strong general IT literacy, including experience with SharePoint, Outlook inbox management, and complex diary coordination.
* Have a proven track record of organisational excellence, with the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure and with minimal supervision.
* Take a proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving, anticipating needs and responding effectively to changing demands.
* Have experience in a secretarial role, including operational support as a Loggist and/or Secretary.
* Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to format documents professionally and concisely.
* Ideally have experience in coaching or mentoring others, contributing to the development of team capability.
* Be a collaborative team player, capable of identifying service improvements and working constructively with colleagues across all levels.
* Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
* Exhibit a high degree of integrity, confidence in decision-making, and a willingness to undertake training in additional IT and multimedia systems as required.
Why Work With Us?
Policing is a 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We are invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working. We are open to conversations about job shares and part time working. We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi-time and home working.
We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;
* career progression
* contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
* generous annual leave allowance
* discounts for everyday spend
* on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs
* generous and supportive parental leave
* financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
* discounted contributory healthcare scheme
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all. We are proud members of Disability Confident, Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement. We are committed to being an anti-racist police service and to upholding equal opportunities for all backgrounds and communities.
Additional Information
Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. This post may be withdrawn at any point during the recruitment process due to redeployment or other organisational changes. Some vacancies may be available for internal candidates across both Forces; external advert decisions may apply.
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