Executive Assistant

Job summary

The SIA is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Home Office. We were set up in 2004 to regulate certain activities in the private security industry and employ nearly 400 members of staff. We are operationally independent of government.

We are now preparing to take on new responsibilities as the regulator of Martyn’s Law - named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people who tragically died on 22 May 2017 in the terrorist attack on Manchester Arena. Martyn’s Law, introduced by the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is intended to improve protective security and preparedness at premises and events across the UK.

The new Act will require premises in scope to be prepared to keep people safe in the event of an attack. Certain larger premises and events will also need to take steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism.

Martyn’s Law is primarily a civil, regulatory regime. We will regulate supportively and proportionately but robustly. The SIA will have new guidance, investigatory and inspection functions and a range of new powers and sanctions. Our new Martyn’s Law functions will sit alongside and complement our existing responsibility for regulating the private security industry.

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant to join a well-established executive support team that provides exceptional standards of professionalism, integrity and trusted support to our Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors.

This is a key role at the heart of the organisation, ensuring the efficiency, professionalism and smooth running of our executive office. Our Executive Assistants work collaboratively to provide flexible support across the Executive Director cohort; however, this post will have a particular focus on supporting the Executive Director for Martyn’s Law. This comes at a pivotal and genuinely exciting time for the SIA, as we lead a significant programme of work to become the Martyn’s Law Regulator in 2027.

The introduction of Martyn’s Law represents a major step change in public protection and security. As the regulatory framework is developed and implemented, this role will play a vital part in enabling senior leadership to operate effectively, engage with key stakeholders and drive forward a complex, high-profile change programme. You will be exposed to work of national importance, operating at the centre of strategic decision-making during a period of transformation and growth for the organisation.

You will be responsible for providing high-quality executive support, including complex diary and meeting management, preparing agendas, coordinating papers, producing clear, accurate and highly effective minutes, managing correspondence, and acting as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. Discretion, sound judgement and the ability to handle sensitive information with confidence and professionalism will be essential.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment, is highly organised, and can manage multiple priorities with ease. You will be proactive, adaptable and comfortable anticipating needs, solving problems and working with minimal supervision. Strong communication skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels are critical to success in this role.

If you enjoy being part of a supportive, high-performing team, take pride in enabling senior leaders to perform at their best, and want to contribute to work that has a meaningful impact on public safety, we would love to hear from you.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• The role requires relevant experience gained in a PA or Executive Assistant role.
• High standards of professionalism, discretion and integrity.
• Experience of using judgement, knowledge and understanding to deal with issues on behalf of Senior Executives (or Board-level equivalent) including when to delegate or outsource work to other colleagues, handling highly confidential and sensitive matters, anticipating current and future needs and actions.
• Experience of successfully working closely on a one-to-one basis with senior personnel to deliver their requirements at pace and with minimal direction or supervision.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure to ensure commitments are met to a high standard.
• Experience of establishing, developing and maintaining strong, positive working relationships internally and externally at all levels.
• Experience of acting on own initiative and making judgements as appropriate.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrable personal organisation, planning and prioritisation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including a proficiency in minute-taking.

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £31,201, Security Industry Authority contributes £9,038 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• A welcoming and innovative work environment.
• Continued support and development opportunities.
• Access to training for attainment of recognised qualifications.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Annual leave entitlement will be 27.5 days, rising by one additional day for every two years of service up to a maximum of 32.5 days.
• A variety of discounts including Gymflex.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme – employee contribution between 4.60% and 7.35% and employer contribution between 26.60% and 30.30%.

Office attendance

Hybrid working may be available for this role.

Things you need to know

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 (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Please note: SIA does not utilise success profiles at interview stage.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and 500-word personal statement. Further details around guidance for this is listed on the application form. If you fail to submit all aspects of the application before the deadline of 23:55 on Monday 23rd February 2026, your application will be withdrawn.

Please use your personal statement (in no more than 500 words) to outline why you believe you would be an ideal candidate for this role. Please highlight your relevant skills, experience and achievements that align with the essential job requirements.

To help us assess your suitability for the role, please complete the CV incorporated into the application form by providing as much information as possible about your previous work experience and achievements.

Should we receive a large number of applications, they will be sifted on personal statement only.

Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Interview details will be provided to successful candidates prior to their interview taking place.

Sift and Interview Process:

Sift will take place from 24th February 2026.

Interviews will be held during week commencing 9th March 2026.

First stage interviews will be held in person at our London office. Your interview will begin with a prioritisation exercise, followed by a competency-based interview.

Second stage interviews will be held on the 19th of March with the Executive Director of Martyn's Law.

Further Information

A reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for a maximum of 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Visa sponsorship

We do not sponsor individuals via Skilled Worker Sponsorship / Tier 2 (General) work visas.

If you are invited to an interview, you will be required to bring documentation for the purposes of establishing your identity.

You will need to meet the nationality requirements for this role and obtain the necessary security clearance to take it up.

For meaningful security checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time.

Reasonable Adjustments

If a person with disabilities is at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact Government Recruitment Service via sia.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
• Complete the “Assistance Required” section in the “Additional Requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a language service professional

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.

Criminal Record Check

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct.

If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Feedback

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).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) (opens in a new window)
• 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 (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).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 theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : SIA Recruitment Team
• Email : SIA.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Recruitment@sia.gov.uk

Further information

Complaints should be submitted to recruitment@sia.gov.uk. If, after investigation by the SIA, the complainant remains dissatisfied, they may bring their complaint to the Civil Service Commission.

Attachments

Executive Assistant_Profile Opens in new window (pdf, 132kB)2025-11-17 Pre-employment Checking - Document Requirements (V17) Opens in new window (pdf, 231kB)