Private Secretary to the Executive Director of HR

Apply for the Private Secretary to the Executive Director of HR role at Bank of England

We are looking for someone who can work on their own initiative, is comfortable dealing with ambiguity, and can manage complex and senior stakeholder relationships. The role requires the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality at all times.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Director by driving forward strategic and long‑term internal directorate and business‑facing people projects.
• Ensure the ED office runs efficiently, facilitating the directorate’s work and monitoring queries received in the ED office.
• Lead strategic prioritisation within the ED office, focussing the ED’s time on what matters most.
• Support the ED to engage effectively as a member of the Bank’s executive leadership and committees, including drafting and reviewing committee papers, briefings and other key documents.
• Promote positive workplace engagement within the directorate, championing diversity and inclusion initiatives and encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Maintain relationships with operational offices, secretariats, other Central Services departments and senior executive offices to link the directorate to the rest of the Bank.
• Support the Executive Director to manage the effectiveness of the People Leadership team, ensuring purposeful agendas, tracked actions and strategic use of time.
• Actively share information with other areas and key stakeholders, particularly the People Leadership Team, and keep up to date with relevant issues for the People directorate.
• Coordinate all people‑related Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and be a member of the FOI policy team.

Qualifications

• Excellent organisational skills, maximising the use of digital tools and navigating shifting priorities in a fast‑moving private office environment.
• Strong analytical skills, able to process large volumes of information at pace, distil key messages and organise content clearly.
• Strong communicator with a track record of building trusted relationships across senior and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Discretion and ability to handle sensitive information and personal data appropriately on a regular basis.
• Evidence of an approach to people management which improves diversity, creates an inclusive culture and motivates teams with a variety of backgrounds.
• Understanding of the role of a Private Secretary, Bank structures and governance.
• Strong judgement in identifying what matters most and assessing urgency and importance effectively.
• Understanding of Human Resource principles and a personal commitment to see the directorate recognised as a centre of expertise that adds real value to the Bank.
• Preference for prior knowledge of Central Services or head office/corporate functions and a strong understanding or interest in the Bank’s business.

Direct Reports

Number of direct reports: 2‑3

Our Approach to Inclusion

The Bank values diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe the workforce must reflect the society we serve and we work hard to build an inclusive culture that supports people from all backgrounds and communities to be at their best at work.

Salary and Benefits

This role offers a salary of circa £60,720 – £66,000. Benefits include:

• Career average pension guaranteeing 1/80th of salary per year worked.
• Discretionary performance award based on a current award pool.
• 8% benefits allowance (option to take as salary or purchase flexible benefits).
• 26 days’ annual leave with option to buy up to 12 additional days.
• Private medical insurance and income protection.

National Security Vetting Process

Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process and the passing of additional Bank security checks in accordance with Bank policy. Further information regarding vetting and clearance requirements will be provided to the successful applicant and information about how the Bank processes personal data for these purposes is set out in the Bank’s Privacy Notice.

Application Process

The assessment process will comprise of two interview stages. The first stage will commence the week beginning 17 November 2025. This role closes on 5 November 2025.

Desired Skills and Experience

Excellent organisational skills, maximising the use of digital tools;
Strong analytical skills and the ability to process large volumes of information at pace, distil key messages, and organise content clearly;
Ability to produce concise and targeted analysis and communications often under time pressure;
Strong communicator with a track record of building trusted relationships across senior and cross‑functional stakeholders;
People management skills.