Technical Communications Desk Assistant (DV Cleared)

Technical Communications Desk Assistant Current Developed Vetting (DV) clearance is essential. Applicants who do not currently hold DV clearance should not apply. Applicants must be resident in the UK and already have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Location: Westminster, London Working Pattern: Fully office-based, 5 days per week, including weekend cover on a rota Contract: Initially 3-6 months, with a strong likelihood of extension Day Rate: £350 - £375 per day Start Date: Immediate The opportunity Salt is recruiting for a Technical Communications Desk Assistant to join a high-profile central government environment in Westminster. This is an excellent opportunity to deliver a professional communications service supporting government colleagues, parliamentary personnel, senior officials and VIPs. You will also handle calls from external contacts, including members of the press, ensuring enquiries are directed appropriately and handled with discretion. The role is approximately 90% customer service and call handling, with around 10% first-line technical support. The emphasis is on clear communication, careful coordination and dependable service. A key responsibility will be setting up and supporting conference calls involving senior officials and high-profile internal and external attendees. Substantial on-the-job training will be provided to help you learn the systems, established procedures and requirements of the environment. The team requires additional support during periods of high activity and ahead of planned retirements, helping maintain service continuity while replacements are recruited and trained. Contracts will initially run for 3-6 months, with extensions considered highly likely, although not guaranteed. Key responsibilities . Answer internal and external calls promptly, professionally and courteously, establishing the nature of each enquiry . Direct callers to the appropriate person or team, taking accurate messages and ensuring clear handovers where required . Deliver a responsive and discreet service to government colleagues, parliamentary personnel, senior officials and VIPs . Handle calls from external contacts, including the press, following established routing and escalation procedures . Set up and coordinate conference calls involving senior officials and high-profile internal and external attendees . Follow agreed procedures to ensure conference calls are arranged accurately and participants are connected appropriately . Provide basic first-line technical assistance within your training, access permissions and agreed remit . Record enquiries and actions accurately, escalating issues requiring specialist support to the appropriate team . Follow information security, identity verification and confidentiality procedures at all times . Support colleagues during busy periods and provide effective shift handovers to maintain continuity of service Essential skills and experience . Current Developed Vetting (DV) clearance . Previous experience in a customer service, call handling, switchboard, communications desk or service desk environment . Excellent telephone manner, with clear verbal communication and strong listening skills . A customer-focused approach, with patience, professionalism and a commitment to helping others . Confidence communicating with people at different levels of seniority and adapting your approach appropriately . Strong attention to detail when recording information, routing calls and coordinating arrangements . Ability to remain calm, organised and courteous when handling urgent enquiries or competing demands . A discreet approach to sensitive information and an understanding of the importance of confidentiality . Confidence using everyday IT systems and the ability to learn communications platforms and basic support procedures . Willingness to follow established processes, recognise the limits of your remit and escalate appropriately . Genuine interest in the customer service and communications responsibilities of the role and the environment in which it operates Desirable experience . Experience within central government, the Ministry of Defence or another public sector organisation . Experience supporting senior officials, executives, VIPs or other high-profile users . Experience arranging conference calls or supporting telephone and virtual meeting services . Familiarity with first-line IT support, call management systems or service desk tools . Experience working in a secure or politically sensitive environment Training and role expectations Comprehensive on-the-job training will support you in learning the team's systems, procedures and service standards. Strong customer service skills, sound judgement and a willingness to learn are more important than advanced technical expertise. This position would suit someone who enjoys communications and service delivery within an IT-based government environment. Applicants should be motivated by the day-to-day responsibilities and the opportunity to contribute in this unique setting. Technical troubleshooting forms only a small part of the role, so developing advanced technical skills is not its primary focus. The position offers an opportunity to build trusted working relationships and gain experience within Westminster. Other contract opportunities may arise over time, but future assignments or progression cannot be guaranteed. Working arrangements . Fully office-based in Westminster, London, working 5 days per week . Shifts of 8.15 hours per day, starting at either 07:45 or 10:45 . Following an initial onboarding period of a few weeks, weekend cover will form part of your five working days per week

*Rates depend on experience and client requirements