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Civil Service job
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Justice — Permanent Secretary’s Office
| Reference | SCS-W1-006 |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Ministry of Justice |
| Team | Permanent Secretary’s Office |
| Vacancy type | Civil Service |
| Closing date | 4 October 2026 at 23:59 BST |
Job description
The Permanent Secretary is the principal Civil Service adviser to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and the administrative head of the Ministry of Justice. The office leads departmental capability and Civil Service management, governance, risk, assurance, records, sponsorship and Accounting Officer responsibilities, while supporting ministerial accountability and respecting judicial independence.
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 is the principal Civil Service adviser to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and the administrative head of the Ministry of Justice. The office leads departmental capability and Civil Service management, governance, risk, assurance, records, sponsorship and Accounting Officer responsibilities, while supporting ministerial accountability and respecting judicial independence.
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.