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Details
Reference number
Salary
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Estates
Operational Delivery
Property
Secretarial
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
Defra group Property & Corporate Strategy is responsible for providing fit for purpose and value added estates and Facilities Management (FM) services to the Defra Group Network, particularly as government works towards One Public Estate
This post will provide PA support for the Deputy Director Technical Services
Job description
The key responsibilities will be:
Providing a vital first point of contact for partners, customers, staff and other stakeholders; develop, build and maintain a good working relationship and reputation as a reliable source of informed knowledge and experience and taking responsibility to resolve issues where appropriate to do so
Manage the Deputy Directors inbox, sorting emails as they are received and flagging up urgent work to the appropriate team members; helping Deputy Director manage workflow
Diary management, general team support, taking into account competing priorities
Ensuring that regular meetings, key stakeholder meetings and ad-hoc meetings are scheduled, meeting rooms and catering are booked and travel and accommodation arrangements are in place
Delivering secretariat outputs for identified governance boards or key site meetings, if required; including setting agendas, note taking, producing actions and monitoring outputs
Handling a range of corporate tasks with discretion, tact and diplomacy and deal appropriately with sensitive information
Completing finance functions including processing invoices, raising purchase orders and other related tasks
Person specification
Working across teams and within a team
Effective communication skills with a broad range of colleagues and stakeholders (orally and in writing)
Working on own initiative and prioritising workload to meet conflicting objectives
Attention to detail
Competent IT skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and behaviour statements.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted on the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sifting will take place w/c 22 August – 25 August 2023.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on behaviours, experience and strengths.
Interviews are currently scheduled to take place w/c 4 September 2023 but may be subject to change.
A presentation or other assessment may be used.
Interview location to be confirmed.
Location & Travel
Some travel may be required and occasional overnight stays.
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based at Weybridge Office – Woodham Lane, Weybridge, Surrey, KT15 3NB. You will need to be in the office 4 days a week and 1 day working from home. You will require the higher level of CTC clearance. Therefore, confirmation of appointment to the advertised post will be dependent upon successful CTC clearance being confirmed as part of pre-employment checks.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to a base office location.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offenses. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Higher Security Clearance
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Nicola May
- Email : nicola.may@defra.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission
