At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Executive Director by managing diaries and handling sensitive correspondence.
- Company: Join Halton Borough Council, a vibrant local authority with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal development and extensive employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a progressive community focused on enhancing lives.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, typing skills, and Microsoft Office proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Personal Assistant to support the Executive Director of Adult Services in Halton Borough Council. We are looking for an experienced Personal Assistant who enjoys working in a varied and busy environment and has previous office experience.
Halton is a vibrant local authority with a rich history and heritage, featuring two iconic bridges that connect communities across the River Mersey. Located in Cheshire, Halton boasts excellent transport links between Liverpool and Manchester, as well as close proximity to both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airports. Our progressive community strategy aims to bring about meaningful, long‑term improvements that enhance lives. It is an exciting time to join us as we develop new policies and transform the way people access services.
Halton Borough Council’s adult social care services have been rated as good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This rating reflects the council’s strong leadership, effective prevention‑based services, and person‑centred care plans. The council has been commended for its enthusiastic and passionate staff, who are dedicated to providing high‑quality care and support to residents.
Responsibilities:
- Manage diaries and arrange, minute senior management team meetings
- Handle correspondence of a highly sensitive and confidential nature
- Maintain effective liaison between the Executive Director, councilors, employees, MPs, members of the public and external agencies at all levels
Hours: 37 per week, Monday to Friday, flexible working. Hybrid working – office location is Municipal Buildings Widnes but must be willing to work out of any council premises within the borough or at home as and when necessary.
Contributions: High standards of tact, discretion and personal integrity are required. The post holder must be able to communicate effectively at all levels, manage challenging situations where callers may be verbally aggressive or abusive, think on their feet, act on their own initiative and organise and prioritise work to make efficient use of the time of very senior officers of the Council.
Qualifications:
- GCSE standard (or equivalent) including Maths and English
- Typing qualification and proficiency in Microsoft Office products
Our Offer:
- A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service
- Membership of a defined benefit, salary‑linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions
- 3 × salary life cover via Local Government Pension Scheme
- Investment in personal development
- Free car parking at HBC sites
- Flexible working arrangements
- Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme
Next Steps: At Halton Borough Council, we want all of our candidates to feel well‑informed. If you would like to have an informal chat about this role, please contact Denise Taylor (PA to Strategic Director) on 0151 511 7237. Please refer to the attached Job Profile for further information about the role and our values. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. If you’re interested, please complete your application as early as possible. We look forward to receiving your application!
Personal Assistant in Widnes employer: Halton Borough Council
Halton Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Personal Assistants. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous holiday allowances, and flexible working arrangements, staff are empowered to thrive while contributing to meaningful community improvements. The council's positive reputation, as evidenced by its good CQC rating, reflects the dedication of its passionate team, making it an ideal place for those seeking rewarding employment in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant in Widnes
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Halton Borough Council!
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If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Halton Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Halton Borough Council. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Halton Borough Council and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Halton Borough Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Halton Borough Council's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Halton Borough Council
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Halton Borough Council.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Halton Borough Council will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Halton Borough Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
