Principal Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary
Added 10 Sept · still live
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£56,600
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2439 (85% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £56,600, and Ministry of Justice UK is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 1111 (Chief executives and senior officials, Leads two Heads of Office and advises at senior government level). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
About the role
London (region)
Job Summary
This position is based at 102 Petty France (MOJ) London, SW1H 9AJ
Job Description
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.
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 Pri
Job Summary
This position is based at 102 Petty France (MOJ) London, SW1H 9AJ
Job Description
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.
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 Pri
ncipal 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.
Person specification
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
Diversity & Inclusion
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.
Person specification
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
For full details about the Role, Key Responsibilities and Person Specification, please download and review the Candidate Information pack
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
For full details of the Selection Process and Recruitment Timeline, please view the Candidate Information pack.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours
For full details about the Role, Key Responsibilities and Person Specification, please download and review the Candidate Information pack
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
- Access to learning and development
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Annual Leave
- Public Holidays
- Season Ticket Advance
Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
For full details of the Selection Process and Recruitment Timeline, please view the Candidate Information pack.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours
and Experience.
This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through building your depth of expertise.
As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through building your depth of expertise.
As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
- UK nationals
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
- Name : SCS Recruitment Team
- Email : scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk
- Email : scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/
https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/JobDetail/22146?entityId=22146
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Ministry of Justice UK, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 2439 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~74k in sampleP25 £45kP75 £68k
£35kmedian £58kgoing rate £57k£68k
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Ministry of Justice UKAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Ministry of Justice UK holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2439 going rate of £56,600. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.