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Assistant Secretary

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Assistant Private Secretary to the Minister – Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Salary: £44,355–£45,065 per year
Location: Westminster, London
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Vacancies: 2
Job Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Reference: 482757
Closing Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026, at 11:55 pm

About the Role

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is recruiting two Assistant Private Secretaries to support Ministers and Special Advisers in delivering government priorities.

This opportunity offers the chance to work closely with senior government officials, contribute to important policy discussions and help coordinate decisions affecting public services across the UK.

The successful candidates will join the DWP Private Office in Westminster, London, working in a fast-paced environment where organisation, sound judgement and effective communication are essential.

Visa Sponsorship: DWP states that sponsorship requests may be considered in line with its current guidance and Home Office policy, but sponsorship is not guaranteed. Applicants should assess their eligibility before applying. Contact the DWP Visa Sponsorship Team at visa.sponsorship@dwp.gov.uk for further information.

Key Responsibilities

As an Assistant Private Secretary, your responsibilities will include:

  • Working with Ministers and Special Advisers to communicate and deliver government priorities across the department.
  • Coordinating with senior stakeholders in policy and operational teams to provide timely, high-quality advice.
  • Developing a strong understanding of your portfolio and identifying emerging issues alongside officials and parliamentary teams.
  • Supporting Ministers during internal and external meetings, recording decisions, capturing actions and monitoring progress.
  • Building effective working relationships with ministerial teams, senior officials and private offices across government.
  • Managing competing priorities, solving problems and meeting demanding deadlines.

The role is office-based at Caxton House, London. Full-time working is required, and longer hours may occasionally be necessary, particularly while Parliament is sitting. Overtime will be payable where applicable.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Excellent attention to detail and the ability to complete work quickly to tight deadlines. This is the lead criterion.
  • A good understanding of how Whitehall operates and experience working in a Private Office or directly with Ministers.
  • Strong judgement and a practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.
  • Independent thinking and political awareness.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
  • Flexibility, enthusiasm and effective organisational skills.

Desirable experience:

  • Knowledge of welfare policy.
  • Experience managing diaries effectively.

Security Clearance and UK Residency

This position requires Security Check (SC) clearance and completion of Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks before appointment.

Applicants must normally have lived continuously in the UK for at least three of the previous five years, including the two immediately preceding years, to meet the stated security-vetting requirements. Exceptions apply to certain people based overseas serving in the UK military or working for His Majesty’s Government.

Applicants who cannot meet the residency requirements may be unable to obtain the necessary clearance.

The role can only be performed in the UK and cannot be worked from overseas.

Salary and Benefits

The successful candidates will receive:

  • Annual salary of £44,355–£45,065.
  • Civil Service pension, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
  • At least 23 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service.
  • Nine days of public and privilege leave.
  • Flexible working options and other work-life balance arrangements, subject to the requirements of the role.
  • Interest-free season ticket loans and a cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Employee discounts and health and wellbeing support.
  • Funded learning, professional development, coaching and mentoring opportunities.
  • Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after one year of continuous service.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants will complete an online Civil Service CV and a Personal Statement of up to 500 words explaining how their skills and experience meet the essential criteria.

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Pay particular attention to the lead criterion: demonstrating strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver accurate work quickly under tight deadlines.

The selection process will involve a written sift. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview at Caxton House, London, lasting approximately 30–45 minutes. A short written assessment or presentation may also form part of the interview.

The following Civil Service behaviours will be assessed:

See also Admin Roles

  • Communicating and Influencing.
  • Making Effective Decisions.
  • Delivering at Pace.

Applicants should use genuine examples from their own experience when preparing their personal statements and interview answers.

Important: This vacancy is open to specified eligible nationality groups and people who meet the Civil Service nationality and right-to-work rules. Check the official advert carefully to confirm your eligibility before applying.

How to Apply

Review the full vacancy details and submit your application through the official Civil Service Jobs website before the deadline.

Closing date: 22 October 2026, at 11:55 pm.

For visa sponsorship enquiries, contact: visa.sponsorship@dwp.gov.uk

Source: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Civil Service Jobs. Vacancy reference: 482757.

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