Chief of Staff

Contract: 18 month fixed term contract

At Gov Facilities Services Limited (GFSL), we play an important role within the wider Ministry of Justice family. Our work supports the safe and secure operation of the prison estate and contributes directly to rehabilitation and essential public service delivery. Guided by our values of Pride in People, Do the Right Thing, and One Team, we provide critical services to a complex and high‑profile environment.

We are now seeking a Chief of Staff to support the CEO and Executive Team by providing strategic leadership, strengthening governance, and ensuring consistent alignment across corporate priorities. This role sits at the centre of the organisation, acting as the central coordination point for the Executive Team and ensuring that the CEO’s priorities are clearly understood and executed across the organisation. The position requires sound judgement, organisational authority, and the ability to operate with discretion and political awareness at all times.

What You Will Do

• Provide strategic advice, insight and constructive challenge to the CEO and Executive Team to support effective decision‑making and organisational clarity.
• Act on behalf of the CEO where appropriate by taking delegated decisions, progressing actions, removing barriers to delivery and ensuring timely escalation of issues that require Executive or Board consideration.
• Maintain clear alignment between strategy, operational plans and organisational priorities, ensuring focus, discipline and coherent delivery during periods of change.
• Lead the development of high‑quality papers, analysis, briefings and submissions for the Board, the client and, when required, Ministers, ensuring accuracy, clarity and strong evidence.
• Support the effective rhythm of the business by coordinating Executive meetings, planning cycles, governance activities and key decision forums.
• Build trusted and productive relationships across GFSL, the Ministry of Justice and wider government, using well‑developed influencing skills to navigate complex issues and support policy intent.
• Provide calm and visible leadership in a fast‑paced environment where operational demands and strategic priorities often intersect.
• Operate with discretion, political awareness and organisational authority when managing sensitive information, advising senior leaders, or representing the CEO’s intent.

What We Are Looking For
Essential Skills and Experience

• Highly developed communication, influencing and negotiation skills with the presence and credibility to work confidently with senior leaders across government, the justice system and the wider public sector.
• Strong strategic judgement and the ability to translate policy and organisational aims into clear, outcome‑focused actions that support effective delivery.
• Experience operating in senior advisory, private office or government‑facing roles, particularly where political awareness and discretion are critical.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, identify risks early and make clear, well‑reasoned decisions under pressure or in ambiguous circumstances.
• Excellent briefing skills, including high‑quality written and oral communication for senior governance, board activity and, where required, Ministerial audiences.
• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent professional experience in business, public administration, management or a related field.
• Experience working within a DG, Permanent Secretary or Ministerial Private Office, or within an equivalent senior strategic environment.

Desirable

• Experience within the justice system, wider central government or a large, operationally complex public‑sector environment.
• Knowledge of transition programmes or major organisational change activity involving government interfaces.

Who You Are
You bring integrity, resilience and strong organisational awareness. You can build trust quickly, exercise sound judgement and help leaders maintain focus on strategic priorities while navigating complex operational challenges. You understand the importance of public service and are motivated by improving outcomes for the people and communities we serve.

If you are values‑led, committed to high standards, and ready to make a meaningful contribution at the centre of a public‑sector organisation, we would welcome your application.

Pride In People.

We’re passionate about promoting greater diversity and creating a workplace and culture where all employees have a voice that is heard, feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to be their true selves.

We recognise the value that every single employee brings to the organisation. Everyone’s needs at work are different and we are committed to doing our best to satisfy these differences whilst ensuring consistency and fairness for all. We promise to champion diversity and inclusion with ongoing learning and training, as well as career progression opportunities for everyone.

Applications will only be considered if they include both of the following:

• A comprehensive CV outlining your career history, responsibilities and achievements
• A Statement of Suitability that clearly explains how you meet the essential criteria for the role and demonstrates your ability to support the CEO and Executive Team

Your Statement of Suitability should be concise, evidence based, and in no more than 1,000 words. It should describe your relevant experience and provide examples that reflect the expectations of a Chief of Staff working in a public sector and government linked environment.

Future plans.

GFSL has been notified by its shareholder (MOJ) that the provision of FM services will in future be delivered by the private sector. This means that following a successful procurement process, GFSL's services will complete transfer to a private sector provider/providers no sooner than August 2027. 
 

Pride in People - Do the Right thing - One Team

GFSL – An ISO 9001 Certified Company