Jane Mancini, Correspondence Officer

I work as a Correspondence Officer in a team of four people within the Private Secretary’s Office, based at Buckingham Palace.

What did you do before joining the Royal Household?
I have been working for the Royal Household for just over ten years and prior to that I was a self employed secretary for a firm of insurance brokers in the City of London. I also taught rhythmic gymnastics part-time.

What experience and qualifications do you need to work within the Correspondence Section?
The Correspondence section deals with all the incoming mail from the general public. Therefore, the ability to read and digest information quickly and accurately as well as a certain amount of empathy and understanding is essential. A good command of the English language, knowledge of word processing and organisational skills are necessary as all letters must also be replied to.

This job is very rewarding as our aim is to help the public with their petitions and questions; however, patience is also an essential quality to have.

Describe a typical day.
The Correspondence Officer sorts and counts the daily post, which averages about three hundred pieces every day. The post is opened and letters are then sent to The Queen’s desk. When they are returned to us with instructions, they are replied to or forwarded to the relevant Departments within the Household.

What is the best thing about your job?
Working for such a prestigious organisation and with friendly colleagues who share the same objective of helping with the many and diverse queries sent to Her Majesty from the public.

What opportunities do you get that you would not get elsewhere?
There is the opportunity to see the preparations for some State occasions. There are very well run sports and social clubs within the Royal Household, and we attend various social functions, for example theatre visits, BBQs and sports events. An excellent free lunch is served every day and the working environment is beautiful.

Are you are involved in any other activities?
I am a member of the Palace Pedal Pushers who undertake to ride their bicycles to and from work, and I have in the past submitted artwork for the employees' annual Art Exhibition.