Executive Assistant to Chief Executive
Would you like to work in an organisation that sits in the top 10 best NHS Mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Services Trust to work for. This ranking is based on staff feedback in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
Job overview
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has an exciting opportunity to recruit an exceptional Executive Assistant to work directly with the Chief Executive.
This is a rewarding, high-paced role that will suit someone who is looking to work professionally, independently and confidently as part of a proactive Chief Executive’s Office on administrative and secretarial tasks, seeking to continuously improve efficiency and effectiveness.The successful candidate will work in a busy, dynamic and complex environment as part of the Chief Executive’s Office, and will have the opportunity to establish and develop effective working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Through assisting the Chief Executive and their office with day-to-day and forward planning support, and by providing high-quality, professional administration and secretarial support, the successful candidate will aid the delivery of the Trust’s strategic ambitions and play a key role in the governance of the organisation.
The ideal candidate will have exceptional planning, attention to detail and organisational skills and will be motivated to make a difference through providing outstanding support to our Chief Executive and their office.
The successful candidate will be primarily based at our Leatherhead Hub, 18 Mole Business Park, KT22 7AD, with limited opportunity for remote working.
Main duties of the job
The Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive will be the first point of contact for the Chief Executive’s Office. The postholder will proactively manage all incoming correspondence and queries, ensuring these are answered and dealt with appropriately and in a timely and confidential manner, being aware that correspondence can be complex and may require sensitive listening and response skills.The postholder will be responsible for manging the Chief Executive’s complex diary and commitments, both on a day-to-day basis and forward planning to foresee and resolve issues. The postholder will be required to complete tasks at a high-quality, professional level to contribute to the sound governance of the organisation, and will be responsible for the Trust’s Executive Board committee, providing all relevant administration in a clear, professional and confident manner.
The postholder will work as part of the Governance Team, however must be confident and skilled to work independently with a high level of autonomy and integrity, and be able to use exceptional initiative, professional astuteness and compassion when completing tasks and engaging with internal and external stakeholders.
Working for our organisation
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.
We are one of the
Top 10 Mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trusts to work for nationwide
Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.
Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach.For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.
Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please check the job description & person specification document for more information on the requirements for this job.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Degree or equivalent experience
- Minute taking course, RSA 2 or 3 in Typewriting, or equivalent demonstrable competence
Experience
Essential criteria- Experience working as an Executive Assistant or senior assistant supporting colleagues at Senior level
- Experience of minute taking, preferable at high level Governance and Senior/Board meetings
- Experience of developing best practice systems and processes to support a busy and Senior office
- Experience of working under pressure and to tight deadlines in a fast paced office environment
- Experience of dealing with complex, challenging and sensitive situations, with professional astuteness and compassion
- Experience of working in a public facing environment and engaging with a wider range of stakeholders
- Proficient in using Microsoft packages e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel etc.
- Experience of working within an NHS environment (desirable)
Please note that you are not restricted from applying for this role if you do not identify with these characteristics and all applicants will be considered fairly against the job description.
As a flexible working and friendly organisation, we want to ensure that you can work in a way that is best for us, our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that’s job share, part time or any other flexible working patterns.
Gender Pay Gap Action
Women in our Trust are under-represented in some senior grades. We are therefore encouraging women to apply for posts at 8A and above.