At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality executive support to the CEO, managing diaries, meetings, and communications.
- Company: Join a prestigious Academy of Medical Sciences with a mission for public benefit.
- Benefits: Generous salary, hybrid working, 26 days leave, and wellness subscriptions.
- Other info: Flexible, supportive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of decision-making and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a PA or Executive Assistant, strong communication, and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 35560 - 35560 £ per year.
£35,560 + Benefits
12 months’ fixed term maternity cover
London, UK (Hybrid – 50% office attendance)
We are looking for a Personal Assistant (PA) to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to provide high-quality, confidential, and proactive executive support. You will be responsible for comprehensive diary and inbox management, coordination of meetings and travel, management of expenses, gatekeeping the CEO’s time, and ensuring the CEO is well-prepared through briefing and action tracking.
As PA to the CEO, you will work closely with the Chief of Staff, Briefing Hub Officer, and other relevant colleagues, to ensure the CEO’s meetings are appropriately supported with papers and briefings. You will also liaise with colleagues supporting the Academy of Medical Sciences’ President, to coordinate diaries where CEO and President activity intersects, and will manage sensitive communications with discretion and professionalism.
About the role
- Executive, diary & inbox management: Provide proactive and complex diary management for the CEO, ensuring effective prioritisation and forward planning. Manage the CEO’s inbox, including monitoring correspondence, prioritising and responding where appropriate, and ensuring timely follow-up. Screen, triage, and manage incoming enquiries on behalf of the CEO, exercising sound judgement and discretion. Draft, prepare, and manage correspondence and documentation as required. Maintain accurate and well-organised electronic filing systems for the CEO’s office.
- Gatekeeping, briefings & action tracking: Act as a gatekeeper to the CEO, balancing access, prioritising meetings, and advising on scheduling trade-offs. Work closely with the Chief of Staff, Briefing Hub Officer and colleagues to ensure meetings are appropriately briefed and supported. Track key actions arising from meetings attended by the CEO, ensuring follow-up occurs and deadlines are met, without owning delivery. Maintain awareness of protocol, managing sensitive communications and stakeholder interactions with discretion.
- Meetings, travel & expenses: Arrange all travel and accommodation for the CEO, including itineraries and briefing packs. Coordinate virtual, hybrid, and in-person meetings, including booking rooms, managing technology (Microsoft Teams), and arranging catering. Prepare, submit, and track the CEO’s expenses in line with Academy policies, liaising with the Finance team as required.
- Governance & corporate support: Provide administrative support to the CEO in relation to governance activity, including meetings involving the Academy’s Council Members, President, and Honorary Officers, as required. Liaise with PAs and administrative colleagues supporting the President to coordinate diaries, particularly where joint meetings or shared commitments arise. Support the coordination of CEO-related papers, briefings, and follow-up actions arising from senior meetings.
- Corporate events & internal coordination: Support the planning and delivery of corporate events attended or hosted by the CEO. This could include the Annual General Meeting (AGM), New Fellows’ Admissions Day, named lectures, and other ad hoc events. Assist with coordination of all-staff meetings, senior leadership meetings, and cross-Academy activity involving the CEO. Provide diary and administrative support for ad-hoc cross-Academy projects requiring CEO involvement.
- Systems & information management: Maintain and update records within the Academy’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database (Salesforce), finance software (Iplicit) and other digital systems, as required. Support updates to internal systems and website content related to CEO or corporate activity, where appropriate.
Requirements
- Skills, experience & abilities: Proven experience providing high-level PA or Executive Assistant support to a senior leader. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail. Confidence working with senior stakeholders and external organisations. Ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and sound judgement. Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and CRM databases. Experience managing senior-level diaries, inboxes, travel, expenses, and briefing coordination. Experience in gatekeeping, action tracking, and protocol management.
- Personal attributes: Highly organised, proactive, and calm under pressure. Discreet, trustworthy, and professional. Collaborative and confident working with senior colleagues. Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities. Strong commitment to the Academy’s mission, values, and public benefit.
Benefits
- Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%)
- Life assurance at three times your salary
- Hybrid and agile working. 50% office attendance.
- 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays
- Buying and selling leave
- Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period)
- Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing
- Support through tailored learning and development
- A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period
Closing date: 5.00pm on Monday, 22 June 2026.
Interview date: week commencing 6 July 2026.
PA to the CEO employer: South West Community Chaplaincy
Join a dynamic and supportive environment as a Personal Assistant to the CEO, where you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of executive functions within the Academy of Medical Sciences. With a generous benefits package, including a flexible pension scheme, hybrid working options, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and development, this position offers not just a job, but a pathway to meaningful career growth in a prestigious London-based institution dedicated to public benefit.
Contact Details:
South West Community Chaplaincy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to the CEO
✨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 South West Community Chaplaincy!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
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.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 South West Community Chaplaincy.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to the CEO
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 South West Community Chaplaincy. 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 South West Community Chaplaincy 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 South West Community Chaplaincy. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to South West Community Chaplaincy'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 South West Community Chaplaincy
✨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 South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨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 South West Community Chaplaincy 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 South West Community Chaplaincy and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
