Job Description

Details

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Reference number

442368

Salary

38,443 - 43,934
Our salary from 38,443 with the maximum salary on this scale being 43,934 as of April 2025 (subject to future COPFS pay awards). All payments are pro rata for part-time staff.
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Higher Executive Officer
D

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Administration / Corporate Support

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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Edinburgh

About the job

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Job summary

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is Scotland?s prosecution service, and we are seeking an experienced Deputy Private Secretary to support the Crown Agent and Chief Executive?s Private Office and Senior Leadership team. This high-profile role requires exceptional organisational skills, discretion, and the ability to deliver under pressure. You will manage the submissions pipeline, maintain forward planning for governance cycles and key events, draft and refine briefing materials and correspondence, and ensure sensitive information is handled in line with governance requirements. You will coordinate senior-level meetings, track actions to completion, and lead logistics for major visits and engagements. Acting as a key liaison, you will build strong relationships with senior offices across government and justice partners, deputise for the Private Secretary when required, and provide leadership to direct reports.

Job description

You will bring proven expertise in commissioning and quality assurance, including designing and overseeing processes that meet organisational and statutory standards. Comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system is essential, along with the ability to apply legislation and policy understanding to inform decisions and manage risk. Significant experience in a Private Office environment is required, including managing complex diaries, preparing briefings, and coordinating sensitive correspondence. You will be highly organised, resilient, and results-driven, with strong communication and influencing skills to engage confidently with senior leaders and external partners.

Person specification

If you would be interested to learn more about this role, please see the attached application pack for further job details, salary information and assessment guidance.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 38,443, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service contributes 11,136 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

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Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

We offer an excellent range of benefits which include:

25 days paid holiday + 11.5 public and privilege holidays (rising to 30 days paid holiday after 4 years). Generous Civil Service Pension employer contribution, on average over 28.97% of your pay Flexible working hours and family friendly approach to work. Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loans. Employee Wellbeing Support with Mental Health First Aiders and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.


Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:


UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.



We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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Contact point for applicants

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Job contact :

Name : recruitment@copfs.gov.uk Email : recruitment@copfs.gov.uk
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Recruitment team

Email : recruitment@copfs.gov.uk

Further information

https://recruitment.copfs.gov.uk/ce0697li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?VACANCY_ID=5872868eRS&WVID=1659542HTd