Diary Manager and Assistant Private Secretary

At DSIT were all about improving peoples lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.

We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.

We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Governments 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving peoples lives. Whether its researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

Our Inclusive Environment

We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. Weare enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.

Find Out More

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We are looking for talented individuals with a passion for working with others to join the Special Advisers and Ministerial Private Office team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the very heart of the Department and gain invaluable experience of how Ministers, Special Advisers, Parliament and a large government department operate. It also provides the opportunity to work across government departments and gain insight into the inner workings of Government.

This role sits at the centre of a fast-paced political and ministerial environment, supporting Ministers, Special Advisers, senior officials, Parliamentarians and external stakeholders to help drive delivery of the Governments priorities. You will provide vital support to the Private Office, acting as the interface between your principals, the Department and the wider Government.

The role is varied, challenging and rewarding. You will work in a high-profile environment where priorities can change quickly, requiring excellent judgement, flexibility and the ability to remain calm under pressure. You will form strong working relationships with your principal or principals and work closely with colleagues across Private Offices, senior civil servants and external stakeholders to ensure the effective management of diaries, meetings, visits and competing priorities.

As Diary Manager, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the office, enabling senior decision-makers to use their time effectively and strategically. Depending on the role, you may support a Departmental Minister or manage complex and fast-moving diaries for multiple Special Advisers. You will proactively coordinate meetings, visits, events and urgent requests, often at short notice, ensuring priorities are aligned with ministerial and departmental objectives.

You will work closely with Private Secretaries and wider teams to ensure meetings are well prepared, agendas and briefing materials are coordinated, and logistical arrangements are delivered effectively. The role also offers the opportunity to build strong relationships across the Department, No.10, other Government departments and external organisations.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organised, proactive and resilient individual who thrives under pressure and enjoys working at the centre of Government. You will be part of a collaborative team with a strong culture of supporting one another and contributing to making the office an excellent place to work.

There may also be opportunities to gain experience managing elements of a policy portfolio, supporting parliamentary engagement, commissioning requests and working closely with Ministers and Special Advisers offices to support decision-making and delivery.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage complex and fast-moving diaries, ensuring priorities are effectively coordinated and delivered.
• Coordinate meetings, visits and engagements, including briefing, logistics and follow-up actions.
• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, building strong working relationships across government.
• Support the smooth running of the Private Office, including handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Work closely with colleagues to respond to changing priorities and ensure effective use of your principals time.
• Be part of an out-of-hours rota.

Essential criteria:

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good judgement and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A proactive and adaptable approach to work.
• Strong interpersonal and teamworking skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships quickly.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience managing a busy senior diary.
• Experience working in a Private Office, government or a similarly fast-paced environment.