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- Tasks: Provide top-notch admin support to the Council's leadership team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Calderdale Council, dedicated to serving the community and making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible hours may include evenings and weekends; referral bonus available!
- Why this job: Be at the heart of local governance, influencing decisions and supporting key leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in admin roles and proficiency in Microsoft Office are essential.
Executive Support Officer
Salary: £15.66 per hour (Umbrella)
Location: Halifax
Client: Calderdale Council
Contract Type: Temporary
Hours: Full-time (hybrid working – a mix of home and office-based work)
About the Role
Calderdale Council is seeking a highly organised and professional Executive Support Officer to provide confidential and comprehensive administrative support to the Leader of the Council, elected members, Chief Executive, and senior leadership team. This is a hybrid role that requires flexibility to attend the office or external venues as needed. The successful candidate will play a key part in the smooth operation of executive functions, ensuring meetings, diaries, and communications are effectively managed in a fast-paced political environment. Some evening and occasional weekend work may be required due to the seniority and nature of the stakeholders involved.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the first point of contact for the Leader of the Council, senior officers, and elected members, handling queries with professionalism and discretion.
- Manage multiple senior diaries, ensuring effective scheduling of meetings and prioritisation of time.
- Produce high-quality documentation including reports, minutes, spreadsheets, and presentations to corporate standards.
- Plan and coordinate meetings and events: book venues, prepare and distribute agendas, take minutes, and ensure follow-up actions are completed.
- Support Cabinet and Departmental Management Team (DMT) activity, including preparing and managing documentation and liaising between departments.
- Respond to and manage correspondence, including emails, complaints, compliments, and FOI requests, ensuring responses are timely, appropriate, and confidential.
- Maintain manual and electronic records in line with data protection legislation and council procedures.
- Organise travel and accommodation, prepare PowerPoint presentations, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including MPs, government departments, and members of the public, often on sensitive or high-profile issues.
- Provide cross-council business support and executive assistance as required.
Experience & Knowledge
- Experience in a secretarial, personal assistant, or executive support role.
- Proven ability to use Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Experience working independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Understanding of professional confidentiality, especially in political or executive settings.
- Familiarity with working to strict deadlines and under pressure.
- Strong organisational skills, particularly in diary and meeting management.
- Experience working in a political and/or unionised environment.
- Prior involvement in coordinating responses to FOIs or formal complaints.
- Experience supporting senior leaders or Elected Members in local government.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across senior levels.
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion.
- Confidence managing multiple priorities and adapting to changing demands.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in sensitive situations.
Additional Requirements
- GCSE English (Grade C / 4 or above) or equivalent qualification/experience.
- Willingness to work evenings and occasional weekends, as required.
- Commitment to upholding Council values and promoting safeguarding and equality.
- Operate within GDPR and council data protection policies at all times.
- This post is not subject to a DBS check.
If you are interested in the role and would like to contact me for further information on the role you can contact myself on the details below.
At Service Care Solutions we also offer a £250 bonus for referrals! If you think you know someone who would be ideal for this role and they are placed in the job you will then receive £250 at the end of their probationary period.
To apply for this role, or to refer someone else, then please do not hesitate to contact Jack at Service Care Solutions on 01772208964 or email on Jack.Lonsdale@Servicecare.org.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr
Executive Support Officer employer: Service Care Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Calderdale Council's structure and key personnel. Understanding the political landscape and the roles of various stakeholders will help you navigate conversations and demonstrate your commitment to supporting the Leader and senior leadership team.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your diary management skills, as this role requires juggling multiple schedules. Consider using tools or apps that can help streamline scheduling and ensure you can effectively prioritise meetings and commitments.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about scenarios where you've successfully managed sensitive information or high-pressure situations. Being able to articulate these experiences will showcase your ability to maintain professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Calderdale Council if possible. They can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process and interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in secretarial or executive support roles. Emphasise your organisational skills, diary management, and ability to handle sensitive information, as these are crucial for the Executive Support Officer position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your experience with managing multiple diaries, producing high-quality documentation, and liaising with senior stakeholders to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Provide examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles to manage tasks effectively and produce professional documents.
Demonstrate Professionalism: Since this role involves working in a political environment, it's important to convey your understanding of confidentiality and professionalism in your application. Share experiences where you maintained discretion and handled sensitive situations appropriately.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions Ltd
✨Research Calderdale Council
Before your interview, take some time to understand Calderdale Council's structure, values, and recent initiatives. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your interest in the role and show that you're aligned with their goals.
✨Prepare for Diary Management Questions
Given the importance of managing multiple senior diaries, be ready to discuss your experience with scheduling and prioritising meetings. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Executive Support Officer, you'll need excellent verbal and written communication skills. Prepare to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with senior leaders or handled sensitive information in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
In a political environment, discretion is key. Be prepared to discuss situations where you've had to handle confidential information or navigate sensitive issues, highlighting your ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.