You heard that right folks! Kate Middleton is hiring a personal assistant. The official job title is ‘Personal Assistant to the Assistant Private Secretary to HRH The Duchess of Cambridge’.
One would think that this is the perfect job opportunity for the writers of the Netflix TV show called “The Crown” which is based on the lives of the Royal Family, but that is simply not the case!
The job requires an extensive background review and previous work expertise in being an assistant and since this is the Royal Family we are talking about, it is likely a non-disclosure agreement will be signed.
Kate Middleton has been the center of attention ever since she was introduced into the Royal family as it has been believed that her husband will eventually take the throne.
It isn’t uncommon for royalty to have helpers and assistants around but most of them have been there for generations. So it is pretty new that the new job was advertised to the public, including on Linkedin.
As stated on the website, this job is open to any race, gender, sexual orientation, and anyone above legal age requirements. This job is open to the public to diversify and make the ‘inner circle’ of royal helpers more inclusive.
The candidate criteria are:
- Excellent IT skills including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint with a writing speed of 60 wpm.
- Previous experience with administration or secretarial position
- Excellent organization skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
- Ability to prioritize own work and plan ahead.
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Ability to work and deal with a broad spectrum of people
- High level of professionalism and self-motivation
- A flexible and mature approach and the ability to use initiative and common sense
- Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times
- Attention to detail
- Ability to form great working relationships and to work collaboratively with the team
- Knowledge of all the diverse communities of the United Kingdom, major and minor
- An awareness of, and interest in, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s work and activities
The last rule seems like they want to recruit a fan!
Most of the rules and regulations are pretty standard for a well-paying job.
But of course, this job isn’t all sunshine and daisies!
Being in such a high position, right under the Duchess’s nose seems to be pretty stressful. And judging by the rules implemented, there isn’t any room for rookie, careless mistakes!
The rules are pretty much directly tied to the responsibilities that come with this job which are:
- Manage and control the APS’s diary, liaise with contacts, arrange meetings, acting as their front-line representative with all stakeholders;
- Monitor incoming correspondence, emails, and telephone calls for the APS to take and relay accurate and timely messages and answer any queries where possible;
- Provide administrative and coordinating support on specific projects for the APS and wider office;
- Draft briefings for the APS as required, liaising with other contacts/officials as necessary;
- Support the Events & Visits team with preparation for visits and events, and where appropriate, undertake recces with the APS;
- Organize travel arrangements (in conjunction with other relevant individuals as required);
- Manage cycle of regular meetings, including making any necessary logistical arrangements;
- Take minutes at meetings if required and produce documentation punctually;
- Managing an efficient and effective filing system;
- Provide PA and administrative support to other team members if required.
It is a permanent contract with 37.5 hours of work per week. And of course pay of 27,500$. On the website, it is stated that the location of work would be Kensington Palace, but looking through the job responsibilities it is clear there will be a lot of moving around to follow up with the Duke and Duchess.
So, what private information do they collect?
According to the privacy notice on the website:
- Your name, address, telephone numbers, email address, gender, date of birth, marital status, criminal history (if relevant), right to work and ID documentation, race/ethnic origin, and disability (if relevant) If you are a successful applicant;
- Your physical and/or mental health, National Insurance number, bank details, and photographs;
- Your emergency contact, pension, and life insurance beneficiaries, your family members (as part of our security checks), and your referees.
All of this information is collected via:
- Information you have entered on the online job portal;
- Forms you complete and send to them;
- The information is collected out of contractual necessity so both the contractor and you are at ease and you are fulfilling your obligations under this new contract of employment.
This data is collected in order to:
- Take you through royal social and security protocols;
- Monitor trends in the recruitment process which will help with decision making;
- Allow you to be able to apply for vacancies at the organization.
According to the official website, your data is definitely stored safely and only a handful of people are given access to it.
Your data is stored in the following ways:
- Within the online portal;
- The emails you have received;
- On the HR database;
- Security database;
- Visitor registration system;
- In a restricted section within the IT system.
It is important to note that all of this information is given with your consent and you can withdraw your consent anytime and your data will immediately be deleted.
These are the third parties your data will be shared or obtained with:
- HR system suppliers;
- Home office security for security clearances;
- Legal representatives;
- Your referees;
- Pension providers.
All of the application forms are stored for a maximum of 2 years but you can withdraw them at any time.
During the application process your rights are:
- Access and obtain a copy of your data on request;
- Contact and ask them to change your incorrect data;
- Ask them to stop or delete the data;
- Object to the processing of your data.
The last date of the application was the 12th of May, 2022. So far we haven’t heard much from the Duchess.
This job surely seems to come with a lot of responsibilities, but the benefits do seem worth it. So, would you take the job?
Check out the official website for more information: https://royalvacancies.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-1/brand-2/user-91058/xf-eb0997b91348/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/4/opp/10000166-Personal-Assistant-to-the-Assistant-Private-Secretary-to-HRH-The-Duchess-of-Cambridge/en-GB
