Principal Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary for Government Communications

Overview

• Increasing the reach and impact of communications from government by shifting to an audience‑first approach that connects citizens with what government is doing for them.
• Modernising Government Communications with a new brand and channel strategy, increased digital capability, and greater collaboration across departments.
• Strengthening leadership, accountability and performance across Government Communications.

The Principal Private Secretary will support the Permanent Secretary and the Director General for Government Communications, leading the Private Office team and advising on key decisions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal strategic adviser to the Permanent Secretary, providing candid, well‑judged advice on priorities, risks, opportunities and decisions to maximise impact.
• Lead and develop the Private Office team, setting high standards, managing performance and fostering resilience.
• Ensure robust systems, high‑quality briefings and effective governance arrangements for correspondence, submissions and ministerial engagements.
• Partner with the Director General, Strategy Development Unit and senior leaders to translate the Permanent Secretary’s modernisation ambitions into clear plans, track progress and resolve blockages.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders across Cabinet Office, Whitehall and the wider government communications community.
• Offer insight and secure the necessary advice, buy‑in and quick decision‑making to support a high‑performance private office delivery team.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership ability, able to motivate and instil confidence with clear thinking, strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated experience in senior advisory, stakeholder engagement and governance within a complex public‑service environment.

We are a Disability Confident employer. Applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum job criteria will receive an interview. For more details, please refer to the Disability Confident policy.

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