Department of Health and Social Care
Diary Manager to the Chief Scientific Adviser
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Diary Manager to the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
London
Job Summary
In the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), we are proud of our purpose: to enable everyone to live more independent, healthier lives for longer. We achieve this while fostering a great workplace culture based on four core values: we are inclusive, constant improvement is integral, we challenge, and we are agile.
If this sounds like an environment where you’d flourish, we’d love to hear from you.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work as a scientific expert’s private office diary manager, supporting the DHSC research and science agenda.
The Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) is a Director General (DG) within DHSC and a member of its Leadership Group, overseeing:
- Science, Research and Evidence
- The Chief Analyst’s Directorate
- NHSE Innovation, Research and Life Sciences
The CSA manages a £1.8bn DHSC research and development budget and serves as the CEO of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
About the Role
Role Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work closely with the CSA, private office team, and senior CSA Group teams, plus the Chief Medical Officer’s private office. This role provides a rare insight into the highest levels of Department and Government operations, offering the opportunity to bridge science and policy.
Core duties include:
- Managing the CSA’s day-to-day diary, ensuring her time is used effectively
- Acting as the CSA’s main point of contact for all diary-related matters
- Planning and organising internal and external meetings, calls, and video conferences
- Arranging business travel, accommodation, and itineraries in collaboration with private secretaries
- Coordinating speaking engagements and visits
- Leading weekly advanced discussions on diary planning with the CSA
- Maintaining awareness of CSA’s key portfolio and priorities and integrating these into diary planning
- Triaging and managing the CSA and private office shared inboxes
- Anticipating issues in the diary and proactively resolving disruptions
- Ensuring all documents, papers, and briefings are delivered on time
- Supporting expense management and producing quarterly transparency reports
- Acting as the first point of contact for CSA visitors and fostering stellar stakeholder impressions
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Proven experience in diary management and meeting coordination
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) across all stakeholder levels
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to efficiently prioritise demands
- Ability to foster inclusive working relationships and collaborate within a small team as well as across the Department
- Experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Confidence in advising senior stakeholders (including the CSA) on use of their time
- Remain resilient and composed under pressure, maintaining accuracy and professionalism
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, notably Outlook and Teams
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Required Behaviours
We assess candidates on the following:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
Please provide evidence of these behaviours in your application.
Benefits
- Salary: £33,849 per annum
- Civil Service Pension Scheme: £9,806 employer contribution
- Tailored learning and development
- Flexible working options
- Diverse and inclusive work culture
- Fully-funded Civil Service pension (employer contribution: 28.97%)
Note on Artificial Intelligence: While AI may assist with application support, all outlined examples must be truthful, factually verified, and directly from your own experience. Misuse (including AI-generated content) may result in application withdrawal or disciplinary action.
Selection Process
This vacancy uses Success Profiles. Applications will assessing Experience and Behaviours.
- Sift deadline: Wednesday, 06/07/2026
- Interview week: Monday 20/07/2026 (via video link)
Sift basis:
- CV
- Personal statement
- Answer to a core behavioural question (potentially an initial sift)
CV guidance: Highlight specific responsibilities and achievements relevant to this role.
Personal statement: Answer in no more than 500 words how you meet the job’s key criteria.
Judgement Tests: After application submission, candidates will complete:
- Civil Service Judgement Test (completion recommended within 48 hours) Deadline: 07/07/2026, 11:55 PM Failure to complete on time = application withdrawal.
Interview: Assessed on Behaviours.
Note on Reserve Listing: Applicants cannot be considered due to agreements made within the Civil Service Civil List. Applications lasting 12 months may be held for internal replacement consideration if a similar role arises.
Terms & Conditions
- BPSS Clearance: Required for appointment.
- Expenses Policy: Travel across the DHSC estate may be necessary.
- Pension Modifications: As of 1 October 2013, new entrants receive modernised conditions across terms:
- Annual leave: Starting at 25 days, increasing by one day per year (maximum 30 days / pro rata for part-time).
- Privilege Leave: 1 day (King’s Birthday).
- Working Hours: 37 net hours/week (pro rata for part-time).
- Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): 1 month full pay + 1-month half pay annually up to a maximum of 5 months full/half pay.
- Mobility: Staff may be redeployed within the Civil Service with agreed terms.
- Probation: Six-month probation period applies to new entrants.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Existing DPHSC staff must also align with these terms.
Security
- Criminal Record Check: Mandatory pre-employment screening.
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard: Requires completion for those handling government data/assets.
- Loan/Secondment Rules:
- Existing Civil Servants may apply on loan.
- NDPB candidates must apply for secondment.
- Prior written approval required from employer to process.
Eligibility
The following may apply:
- UK nationals
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- Commonwealth nationals with UK work rights
- EU/EEA nationals with pre-settled/settled status under EUSS or valid application status post-Brexit
- Turkish nationals with durable work rights (and their family members)
- Others with limited/indefinite leave to remain requirement met by 31 December 2020 per EUSS.
Full nationality details at [Civil Service – Nationality Requirements](opens in a new window).
Diversity & Inclusion
- Accessibility: If you require adjustments (e.g., interview setup), email dhscrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk and notify the Additional Requirements section of your application form.
- Veteran Scheme: This vacancy aligns with the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
Contact Information
- Job Contact: Robyn Prattis (robyn.prattis@dhsc.gov.uk)
- Recruitment Team: dhscrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Purpose Statement
In the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), purpose drives our work. Our values are inclusiveness, constant improvement, challenging attitudes, and agility. We're looking for candidates who align with these principles.
If this resonates with you, we’d love to hear your expertise.
Do not reply to this message. The confirming e-mail address to DHSC is DHSCRecruitment@dhsc.gov.uk
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location