At a Glance
- Tasks: Support executive directors with diary management, meeting coordination, and administrative tasks.
- Company: Join Social Work England, the body regulating social workers to improve lives across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a contributory pension, life insurance, and access to a benefits portal.
- Other info: This is a permanent, full-time role with hybrid working options available.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Proven admin skills, experience managing sensitive information, and excellent communication abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
The Role
Social Work England is the specialist body that regulates social workers in their vital role. Every day, social workers support millions of people to improve their chances in life. We believe in the power of collaboration and share a common goal with those we regulate – to protect the public, enable positive change, and ultimately improve people’s lives. The executive assistant is a member of the executive office and provides consistent and continuous administrative support that ensures our corporate governance requirements are met and comply with our statutory responsibilities. The role is responsible for providing support to executive directors and assistant directors. You will provide coordination and support for regular meetings, deal with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, plan ahead and proactively manage diaries to ensure consistent and smooth support for directors. As executive assistant you will ensure effective arrangements are in place to support and service our board and committees. Each assistant will have a specific focus area, however will work across to support each other when needed. Please note this role is a 12 month fixed-term contract working 22.2 hours per week across 3 days.
What you will do
- Establish strong working relationships and proactively support the executive and assistant directors. Help to plan and manage their varied workloads, including diary and meeting co-ordination ensuring efficient use of time, avoid duplication and ensure that deadlines are met.
- Develop close working relationships and communication with directors’ first tier management teams and develop a sound understanding of the relevant business area(s) and organisational priorities, in order to provide effective administrative support
- Manage executive directors’ email inboxes, calls and correspondence and pre-empt and deal with risks and issues. As appropriate, act as an interface between executive and assistant directors and key external stakeholders, responding initially to internal and external enquiries and managing the board inbox.
- Coordinate and support Board and sub-committee meetings and other regular governance and corporate meetings, with both internal and external stakeholders. Draft agendas, produce information packs with an emphasis on compliance, produce governance related papers, take formal minutes, and monitor actions and deliverables.
- Be the first point of contact for our Board members. Support Board members with visits, access to systems, and assist in the development and implementation/delivery of the Board induction programme, terms of reference and policies and procedures.
- Assist as required in the preparation, formatting, quality checking and publishing of corporate governance reports, presentations and correspondence. Ensure that our corporate governance follows the necessary policies and protocols, and is consistently delivered to the highest standard.
- Assist in the planning and execution of corporate events, forums and conferences for example, awaydays, and meet and greet events. This may include scoping out external venues and costing to ensure value for money. Booking travel, accommodation, catering and submitting expenses where required.
- Ensure the effective management and updating of the digital platform for the board. Ensuring the publication of information to the platform is both timely and accurate. Arrange timely publication of Board papers externally, in line with the agreed protocol.
- Support with adhoc tasks, time bound projects and task and finish groups, liaising with relevant stakeholders as and when needed.
- Maintain high levels of confidentiality by creating and maintaining accurate records, managing and auditing folders and databases to ensure safe storage, including filing and archiving, of information and files.
Your Skills, Knowledge And Experience
- Proven and effective administrative and diary management skills with experience of working in a similar role.
- Able to plan and prioritise work, manage time effectively and deal with changing priorities and multiple demands.
- Experience of effectively managing sensitive, confidential information with a high level of attention to detail.
- The ability to work autonomously, using judgement and initiative to assess and make decisions.
- Experience of coordinating meetings and events and creating accurate minutes.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience of liaising at all levels, including senior leaders and Board members.
- Evidence of working supportively with others, building strong relationships as well as proven ability to work as part of a team.
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
- A track record of respectful, open and honest behaviour including a demonstrable commitment to inclusion and diversity.
- A demonstrable commitment to inclusion and diversity.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave, rising with service to 30 days per annum (pro-rata), plus bank holidays.
- The option to purchase up to an additional 5 days of annual leave per annum.
- A TIDE award winning inclusive culture, made up of staff networks, social events and forums.
- A pension scheme, life insurance, an employee recognition scheme and cycle to work scheme.
Details
- Job type: 12 month fixed-term contract
- Working pattern: Part-time, 22.2 hours across 3 days per week
- Salary: FTE of £30,080 per year, rising to £31,262 per year after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
- Location: Sheffield/Hybrid
Executive Assistant in Sheffield employer: Social Work England
Social Work England is an exceptional employer that values collaboration and inclusivity, providing a supportive work culture where employees can thrive. With flexible working arrangements, a contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, the role of Executive Assistant offers a meaningful chance to contribute to the vital work of regulating social workers in Sheffield. Join us in making a positive impact on people's lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Social Work England's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to protecting the public and enabling positive change will help you align your responses during interviews and discussions, showcasing your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former executive assistants in similar organisations. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations of the role, which can help you prepare better for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your MS Office skills, particularly in Excel and PowerPoint. Being proficient in these tools is crucial for managing data and creating presentations, so consider taking a quick online course or tutorial to enhance your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities and sensitive information in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the executive assistant position effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and skills required for the Executive Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Answer the Application Questions:Prepare detailed responses to the three questions provided in the application process. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your administrative skills, ability to manage sensitive information, and your interpersonal communication abilities.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your previous roles that involved diary management, meeting coordination, and working with senior leaders. Showcase your attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information effectively.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial for an Executive Assistant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Work England
✨Know the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research Social Work England. Understand their mission, values, and the role they play in regulating social workers. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the organisation and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in administrative roles. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed diaries, coordinated meetings, or handled sensitive information. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
As an Executive Assistant, you'll need excellent communication skills. Be ready to provide examples of how you've liaised with senior leaders or external stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as this will be crucial during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle changing priorities. Think of scenarios from your past experiences where you had to adapt quickly or manage multiple demands. This will showcase your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.