Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Private Office: Diary Manager to the Minister
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Private Office: Diary Manager to the Minister
Diary Manager – Westminster, London
Location: Westminster, London
About the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers social security, labour market, pension, and child maintenance policies for 20 million+ claimants and customers. As the UK’s largest public service department, the DWP delivers the State Pension and a range of benefits, ensuring critical support impacts millions daily.
Private Office supports Ministers and Special Advisers, acting as the primary interface for delivering DWP’s strategic priorities.
About the Role
This demanding but rewarding role is essential for a high-performing, dynamic, and inclusive team within Private Office. You’ll work closely with Ministers, Special Advisers, and senior officials to ensure seamless execution of logistical and administrative tasks.
Key Responsibilities
The Diary Manager will:
- Coordinate the Minister’s diary – Prioritise and manage meetings, events, and invitations to optimise schedule efficiency.
- Resolve logistical issues with stakeholder teams across the Department to ensure smooth operations.
- Handle the Minister’s correspondence, including Parliamentary Questions and inbox management.
- Plan and arrange trips, covering internal DWP engagement visits, external meetings, and travel logistics.
- Ensure high-quality, timely briefings are supplied before Ministerial meetings by working with senior officials.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Qualities
The ideal candidate possesses:
- Exceptional organisational skills, with strong prioritisation in a fast-paced environment.
- Resilience and adaptability to manage competing demands and long hours.
- Clear communication and diplomatic skills to liaise with Ministers, advisors, and officials across the Department.
- Political awareness to align actions with Departmental priorities and strategic objectives.
- Attention to detail and impeccable judgement in a sensitive role.
Proficiency & Competencies
- Ability to oversee administrative functions, including diary management and parliamentary correspondence.
- Experience with Microsoft Office tools and customer service management systems.
- Knowledge of working with senior leadership — requisites rather than necessities.
Work Arrangement & Location
Based at: Caxton House, London Contract: Full-time or job-share available.
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Working Conditions: Overtime may be required during Parliamentary sitting periods, with payable compensation.
Benefits & Perks
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Salary: £37,016, enhanced with a Civil Service pension contribution of £10,723.
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Work-Life Balance Support
- Flexible options:
- Job-sharing, term-time working, flexi-time, or compressed hours.
- Generous leave entitlement: 23+ days (up to 30+ over time, pro-rata for part-time).
- Flexible options:
-
Financial & Wellbeing Support
- Intermediate Season Ticket Loan (ISTL)
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme & Employee Discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) & insurance for covering sports/activities
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Family-Friendly Policies
- Enhanced Maternity/Parental Leave from the first year of service.
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Career Development
- Fully funded learning (certifications, coaching, mentorship, and talent programs).
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Inclusivity & Networking
- Access to Women’s Network, National Race Network, Disability Inclusion (THRIVE), etc
Selection Process
The recruitment process follows Success Profiles, assessing Behaviours, Strengths, and Experience.
Stage 1: Application
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CV: Submit via the Civil Service Jobsite (no standalone upload required).
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Personal Statement: Max 1,000 words demonstrating alignment with the essential criteria and key skills material. You may either:
- Address criteria separately, or
- Present a unified case with one example evidence all key competencies.
Assessment Criteria for Initial Sift:
Primary Focus: Excellent organisational, prioritisation & communication skills.
Stage 2: Interviews
- Blended Face-to-Face Interview (held at Caxton House, London). Duration: 30–45 minutes.
- Likely content:
- Behavioral questions (Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, Delivering at Pace).
- Strengths-based discussion.
- Short written/practical assessment or presentation (details shared pre-interview).
Note:
- Topics are designed to explore capability and fit with your experience.
- No full STAR narrative is needed for Strengths; instead, share authentic, immediate responses.
Security & Vetting
- National Security Vetting (NSV): Security Check (SC) is mandatory before appointment.
- Clearance requirements:
- UK Residency: Must continuously reside in the UK for 3+ years (at least 2 previously), or exceptions apply for British Forces/HMG overseas working.
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Security vetting process:
- Investigates financial background, employment history, family, criminal record, and other factors.
- Applicants with spent convictions (or ongoing record) can proceed but must disclose details.
OR: If requested, alternative Disclosure and Barring Service forms may be applicable.
Key Information
- Citizenship: Open to:
- UK/EU citizens & Irish Republic nationals.
- Commonwealth nationals with UK work rights.
- Who have/held privileged EU immigration permission or secure employment status under UK policies.
- Transfers & Mobility:
- Modified terms if moving internally from service within HMG to DWP.
- Tax Policy Note: Childcare vouchers unavailable if transferring into DWP.
Documentation & Feedback
- Civil Service Code applies to all appointments; honesty and integrity expected.
- Criminal Record Check mandatory upon acceptance.
- Interview Feedback provided for those reaching interview stage.
Diversity & Inclusion
DWP commits to equitable recruitment and actively encourages applications from disadvantaged backgrounds, including disabled candidates.
Disability Confident Scheme
- DWP uses this program to ensure individuals with disabilities subject only to minimum competence standards can advance.
Contact for Applicants
For clarification on the role/application process:
Job Contact:
- Amber Edwards PO-BUSINESS-SUPPORT@DWP.GOV.UK
Recruitment Team:
dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If You Require Further Assistance
- Vetting questions? See DWP Vetting Support pages.
- Visa requirements? Consult with an immigration specialist due to sponsorship based on DWP, Home Office policies. Email inquiries to visa.sponsorship@dwp.gov.uk.
Accessibility Notifications
If substantial support (physical adjustments or specific aids) is necessary for application/completion, contact DWPRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Reserve List: May hold for three months after appointment dates following completion of clearance photographs and other vetting protocols.
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