On behalf of The Ministry of Justice, we are looking for a Private Secretary (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract based in any MOJ office in the UK 2 days per week onsite
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) priorities include improving public safety and reducing reoffending by reforming prisons, probation and youth justice, and building a justice system which makes access to justice swifter and more certain for all citizens whatever their background. Project professionals in the MoJ help to improve the government’s ability to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public.
Legal Aid Agency Digital (LAAD) is delivering a significant programme of transformation to improve access to legal aid services, strengthen cyber resilience, enhance delivery planning, and drive greater value for money across the agency.
Operating within a high-profile and highly scrutinised environment, LAAD's digital services play a critical role in supporting justice outcomes across the UK.
We are seeking an experienced Private Secretary (Technical Lead) to work closely with the Chief of Staff and Director, providing high-quality support at the heart of senior decision-making. This is a unique opportunity to gain exposure to strategic leadership, coordinate complex priorities, manage key stakeholder relationships, and help drive delivery across a large-scale digital operation.
The successful candidate will be confident working across technical, financial and governance matters, demonstrating excellent judgement and organisational skills in a fast-paced environment.
As a Private Secretary, your main responsibilities will be:
- Support the Chief of Staff and Director in managing priorities and strategic objectives.
- Develop high-quality briefings, correspondence, presentations and decision papers.
- Coordinate and monitor delivery across key programmes and initiatives.
- Manage complex stakeholder relationships across government and delivery teams.
- Ensure effective governance processes are maintained and key actions tracked through to completion.
- Provide informed advice and recommendations to support senior decision-making.
- Identify risks, issues and dependencies, ensuring appropriate escalation where required.
- Collaborate with technical, operational and leadership teams to drive outcomes and maintain momentum.
Essential:
- Active SC Clearance required.
- Proven ability to work autonomously, use initiative, and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Strong leadership, organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing demands effectively.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities, including experience engaging and influencing senior leaders.
- Strong judgement, risk awareness and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex issues and deliver practical solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing high-quality briefings and managing senior-facing communications.
- Experience working within a Private Office, digital transformation, or similarly complex environment, with an understanding of governance, strategy, and technical subject matter (e.g. Oracle or comparable systems).
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, MOJ guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant
The Ministry of Justice guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".
