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Civil Service job

Permanent Secretary, Interior Office

Interior Office — Permanent Secretary’s Office

ReferenceSCS-W1-005
OrganisationInterior Office
TeamPermanent Secretary’s Office
Vacancy typeCivil Service
Closing date4 October 2026 at 23:59 BST

Job description

The Permanent Secretary leads the Interior Office Civil Service, advises ministers and is responsible for departmental administration, governance, financial stewardship, organisational performance, risk, public body sponsorship, security, records, business continuity and the lawful implementation of ministerial decisions.

Selection criteria

Essential
Demonstrates the Civil Service values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.; Evidence of senior leadership, sound judgement and the ability to lead a permanent and impartial public administration.; Ability to give candid, evidence-based advice to ministers and implement lawful decisions while maintaining proper institutional boundaries.; Ability to establish and maintain governance, risk, records, performance and resource controls appropriate to a senior Civil Service office.; Realistic availability to carry the continuing responsibilities of the office.
Assessment
Written application evidence against the published criteria.; Shortlisting against the same published criteria for all candidates.; Structured interview and any role-specific assessment announced to shortlisted candidates.; Senior appointment oversight and Civil Service Commission involvement where required.
Reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the selection process. Candidates should describe the adjustment or arrangement they need, not provide unrelated medical information.
Candidate reading
The Civil Service Code; Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles — 2026; Working in the United Hampshire Civil Service — opportunities and recruitment; How government works; Cabinet Manual — 1st edition 2026; Coth Ministry Programme for Government 2026; Relevant department and role information
Role specific responsibilities
The Permanent Secretary leads the Interior Office Civil Service, advises ministers and is responsible for departmental administration, governance, financial stewardship, organisational performance, risk, public body sponsorship, security, records, business continuity and the lawful implementation of ministerial decisions.

Apply for this vacancy

What happens next

Applications are assessed against the published criteria. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an assessment or interview. A submitted application does not guarantee appointment.