Hr Assistant Private Secretary

Description:

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is seeking a highly organised, proactive, and confident HR Assistant Private Secretary to support the Chief People Officer (CPO). This is a fast-paced, high-profile position that provides the opportunity to work closely with HR leadership at the heart of DEFRA’s human resources strategy.

As a key member of the HR Private Office, the Assistant Private Secretary will be responsible for managing communications, coordinating high-level meetings and briefings, maintaining correspondence, and ensuring that strategic information flows effectively across the HR function. The role offers broad exposure to senior leadership and contributes directly to the success of DEFRA’s people strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Inbox and Correspondence Management: Monitor and prioritise incoming communications for the CPO, draft responses where appropriate, and ensure timely follow-up on key issues while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

• Briefing and Meeting Coordination: Prepare and coordinate briefings, speaking notes, and meeting materials for senior-level engagements, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and alignment with organisational strategy.

• Communications Support: Draft internal and external communications, plan engagement activities, and align messaging across the HR function to strengthen visibility and consistency.

• Action and Priority Tracking: Maintain a live overview of key actions, priorities, and deadlines arising from meetings, ensuring follow-through and accountability.

• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Build and maintain effective relationships with teams across DEFRA and Civil Service HR, facilitating collaboration and sharing intelligence across functions.

• Risk and Issue Management: Anticipate challenges, identify emerging risks, and escalate issues appropriately to maintain agility and responsiveness in a dynamic environment.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Knowledge:

• Experience working in a Private Office or administrative support environment.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone and content for senior audiences.

• Sound judgement, discretion, and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and proactively with minimal supervision.

• Collaborative approach with a focus on teamwork and relationship-building.

• Calm and composed in fast-moving environments.

Behaviours Assessed:

• Delivering at Pace

• Making Effective Decisions

• Communicating and Influencing

• Working Together

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (28.97% employer contribution).

• Access to learning and development opportunities tailored to the role.

• Flexible working options and a supportive work environment promoting inclusion and diversity.

• Opportunities to engage with senior leadership and contribute to high-level HR initiatives.

• Participation in Civil Service-wide initiatives such as the Disability Confident Scheme and the Great Place to Work for Veterans programme.