At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance and administration for a charity empowering young adults with disabilities.
- Company: The Orpheus Centre, a vibrant charity focused on creativity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team committed to inclusivity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young adults while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as an Executive Assistant with governance experience.
The predicted salary is between 32754 - 32754 £ per year.
The Orpheus Centre is a specialist college and charity empowering young adults with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives through creativity, learning and the arts.
Founded by Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus places joy, inclusion and ambition at the centre of everything it does.
Our values
Joyful, bold, inclusive, resilient and determined shape our culture and guide our work with students, staff and trustees alike.
Salary and location
£32,754 per annum. Godstone, Surrey.
Hours and contract
Full time (35 hours per week, 9am–5pm). Part‑time/job share considered.
Permanent contract.
Reports to
Director of People & Governance.
The Role
We are seeking an organised, confident and proactive Executive Assistant (Governance) to provide high‑quality governance administration and executive support across the Senior Management Team (SMT), Trust Board and its committees.
This pivotal role within Central Services ensures that our governance structures are effective, compliant and well coordinated, enabling excellent decision‑making and strong organisational assurance.
You will own the annual governance cycle, support Board and committee meetings, maintain statutory and governance records, and act as a trusted point of contact for trustees and senior leaders.
Key Responsibilities
- Governance & Compliance
- Plan, organise and support Board, committee and SMT meetings, including agendas, papers, minutes and action tracking.
- Maintain governance frameworks including Terms of Reference, Scheme of Delegation and statutory registers.
- Coordinate trustee induction, declarations, training records and governance compliance calendars.
- Support regulatory readiness and audits, working closely with senior colleagues.
- Coordinate the organisational risk register and tracking of management actions.
- Executive & SMT Support
- Provide executive‑level administrative support to SMT and, as required, the CEO.
- Draft and edit reports, correspondence and presentations.
- Support SMT projects through research, document management and progress tracking.
- Arrange meetings, travel and accommodation for trustees and senior leaders.
- Policy, Records & Administration
- Manage the central policy library, review schedules and approvals process.
- Support compliant records management, archiving and confidential disposal.
- Produce governance and compliance reports for SMT and Board.
- Hospitality & Office Support
- Coordinate hospitality and logistics for meetings and events.
- Work flexibly, including occasional out‑of‑hours attendance for key governance meetings.
About You
You will be an experienced Executive Assistant or governance professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, values‑driven environment.
You will be confident working with senior stakeholders, discreet with sensitive information, and highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Proven Executive Assistant experience (minimum three years or equivalent).
- Strong understanding of governance administration and compliance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including high‑quality minute taking.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines, work independently and use sound judgement.
- Experience in charity, education or not‑for‑profit sectors.
- Familiarity with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements.
- Experience supporting Boards or committees.
- Experience working within inclusive or specialist education settings.
- Safeguarding & Inclusion
The Orpheus Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable young adults.
All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references.
This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
We value difference and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and supportive workplace.
In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK.
Disability Confidence
The Orpheus Centre is a disability confident employer.
We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people and will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment procedure and workplace as required.
- Committed to disability inclusion
- Challenging attitudes towards disability.
- Increasing understanding of disability.
- Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long‑term health conditions.
- Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration.
- Key skills and experience
- Proven Executive Assistant experience (minimum 3 years or equivalent).
- Strong understanding of governance administration & compliance.
- Excellent written & verbal communication, including high‑quality minute taking.
- Strong Microsoft 365 skills.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Executive Assistant (Governance) in Godstone employer: Orpheus
The Orpheus Centre is an exceptional employer, dedicated to empowering young adults with disabilities in a vibrant and inclusive environment. With a strong focus on joy, ambition, and creativity, employees benefit from a supportive culture that fosters personal and professional growth, alongside competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements. Located in Godstone, Surrey, the Centre offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact while being part of a passionate team committed to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant (Governance) in Godstone
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant (Governance) in Godstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
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You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Orpheus, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
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