At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a Strategic Director in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the vibrant London Borough of Waltham Forest, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee well-being.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a culturally rich borough.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths or equivalent; administrative experience preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 41113 - 43680 £ per year.
Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Salary: PO1 £41,113- £43,680
Contract Type: Full time/Fixed Term Contract (12 months)
Working hours per week: 36
Application Deadline: 19/06/2026
Proposed Interview Date(s): TBC
Reference: 2170
About Us: Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. We are a highly ambitious borough. Driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities. Our Council is relentlessly resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents.
London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard employers. This accreditation is proof of our commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace. This includes fair pay and conditions, workplace well-being, skills and progression and diversity and recruitment.
The Council’s preference is for online application. However, if you have a disability and are unable to complete an online application, please email recruitment@walthamforest.gov.uk so we can arrange an alternative application method.
About the role: This is a fixed-term position to provide maternity cover, anticipated to last for 12 months. However, applicants should be aware that the duration of the contract may be subject to change. In the event that the employee currently on maternity leave decides to return to work earlier than originally indicated, the contract may be terminated with appropriate notice in accordance with the terms of employment. We are looking for a motivated and proactive individual to join our team as an Executive Assistant to a Strategic Director on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover. This is a fast-paced and varied role, ideal for someone who is highly organised, adaptable, and able to respond quickly to changing priorities. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgement, work with a high level of discretion, and have a strong awareness of political sensitivities. You will provide dedicated support to a Strategic Director, while also working as part of a wider professional support team within the Leadership & Democratic Office, offering cover across services where required. You will need to be flexible in your approach, confident working on your own initiative, and able to manage a diverse workload. Previous administrative experience is essential; knowledge of public sector services and policies is desirable but not essential. We are seeking applicants who can effectively prioritise competing demands and remain calm under pressure. You will be a confident communicator, able to liaise with Members and internal and external stakeholders. The role requires strong written skills, including drafting reports and correspondence, producing accurate minutes, and creating presentations. You will also be confident using a range of IT systems and have experience managing high-volume inboxes.
Key Responsibilities: Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Inbox management ensuring emails are responded to daily as appropriate
- Managing demanding diaries
- Management of emails, letters and phone calls - responding to or delegating as necessary on the Strategic Director’s behalf
- Secretariat of Team and Board meetings
- Organising internal/external events and meetings as requested
- Liaising with colleagues across directorates to ensure delivery of Management Boards key projects
You will report to the Leadership Office in the Resources Directorate. You will work as part of a dynamic team who support the Council’s top tier of management. Previous Executive Assistant experience is not essential but the ability to work in a fast paced environment is desirable.
Qualifications and Requirements: To be considered for this position, you should meet the following requirements:
- Numeracy and literacy qualification e.g. GCSE English and Maths or equivalent.
- Relevant professional qualifications are encouraged but not essential.
Terms and conditions: The below terms and conditions apply to this role:
- Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks;
- Satisfactory declaration of interest;
- As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public-facing roles are able to speak fluent English. This means that they must have a command of spoken English, with confidence and accuracy, sufficient for the effective performance of their role.
How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications online by pressing the ‘Apply’ button below. This includes a supporting statement that outlines to us how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for this vacancy. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives:
- Promoting equality of opportunity
- Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage
- Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels.
- Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all.
Respecting Diversity is a core Council value.
To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme. For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy.
We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore, wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual's personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below or feel free to discuss this during your interview.
Contact Information: If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Emma Clifford, Business Manager at emma.clifford@walthamforest.gov.uk. If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post, please contact our Recruitment Team via email at recruitment@walthamforest.gov.uk.
Fraud Awareness Notice: The London Borough of Waltham Forest only advertises vacancies via our official website and approved recruitment platforms (e.g. Jobsgopublic). We will never ask for payment or request sensitive personal or financial information as part of our recruitment process. If you are contacted by a third party claiming to represent the Council, please verify the vacancy via our official careers website before sharing any information. If you have concerns about a job advert or communication, please report it to: fraud@walthamforest.gov.uk
**INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY** Executive Assistant in Walthamstow employer: Borough of Waltham Forest
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment that champions diversity and inclusivity. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and a culture that values creativity and community engagement, staff members are empowered to thrive in their roles. Located in a borough rich in culture and opportunity, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the lives of residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land **INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY** Executive Assistant in Walthamstow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the London Borough of Waltham Forest. They can give you insider info on the role and the team, plus it shows your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Council's recent projects and initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for their work, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to managing competing demands and working under pressure. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re following the Council’s preferred process, which is always a good look.
We think you need these skills to ace **INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY** Executive Assistant in Walthamstow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Executive Assistant. We want to see how you can bring value to our team, so be specific about your past experiences that relate to the key responsibilities.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:Since this role is all about managing a diverse workload, don’t forget to mention your organisational skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed competing demands in previous roles, as this will show us you're ready for the fast-paced environment.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and keep your sentences concise. This not only makes it easier for us to read but also reflects your strong written communication skills, which are essential for this position.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get your application in as soon as possible through our website. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Waltham Forest
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Executive Assistant role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as inbox management and diary coordination. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Executive Assistant, being organised is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed competing demands or handled a high-volume workload. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and remain calm under pressure, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Confidently
Effective communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to draft reports or correspondence, so consider bringing a sample of your written work to showcase your skills. This will also give you a chance to demonstrate your attention to detail.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and judgement. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would handle them. For instance, how would you manage conflicting priorities or a last-minute change in schedule? Having thoughtful responses prepared will set you apart.
