At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-level executive support and manage complex priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Southwark Council’s Integrated Commissioning team, dedicated to improving health and social care services.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while supporting senior leaders in a dynamic and rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting senior leaders and managing busy schedules is essential.
The predicted salary is between 38637 - 44937 £ per year.
Are you highly organised, proactive and confident working in a fast-paced senior leadership environment? Do you have the skills to provide high-level executive support while managing complex, competing priorities with discretion and sound judgement? If yes, this is an excellent opportunity to join Southwark Council’s Integrated Commissioning team as our next Personal Assistant!
About the team
The Integrated Commissioning team works with NHS partners, council services and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality, joined-up health and social care services for Southwark residents.
About the role
You will provide high-level executive and administrative support to the Director of Commissioning within a busy and high-profile service area. Please note, this position will be offered on a part-time basis, 21.6 hours per week (3 days per week). This is a shared support role, requiring you to balance competing priorities and support effective coordination across senior leadership. You will act as a key point of contact, ensuring excellent communication, strong organisation and effective prioritisation across a complex and demanding environment.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Provide executive support, including complex diary and inbox management, triaging and prioritising enquiries using sound judgement
- Balance competing priorities while supporting senior leaders in a fast-paced environment
- Maintain bring-forward systems, tracking actions, decisions and follow-ups
- Organise meetings, including agendas, papers, minutes and action tracking
- Coordinate internal and external meetings, events and recurring forums
- Prepare briefing materials to ensure the Director is fully informed
- Support engagement with senior officers, elected members, NHS partners and external stakeholders
- Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Experience supporting senior leaders, ideally within local government or a complex public sector organisation
- Strong experience managing busy diaries, inboxes and competing priorities
- Experience filtering and prioritising enquiries using sound judgement
- Strong minute-taking, meeting coordination and action tracking skills
- Excellent communication and organisational abilities
- High level of IT literacy (Microsoft Office)
- Ability to work independently, use initiative and perform well under pressure
- Strong discretion when handling sensitive information
- Flexibility to attend meetings outside normal working hours when required
Working hours: 21.6 hours per week, 3 days per week (0.6 FTE)
Contract type: Permanent
Location: 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £38,637 - £44,937
Personal Assistant (Shared Support) employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an exceptional employer that values diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive work culture where employees can thrive in their roles. As part of the Integrated Commissioning team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful health and social care services for the community while enjoying flexible working hours and professional growth opportunities. The council's commitment to tackling racial inequality and providing guaranteed interviews for underrepresented groups further enhances its reputation as a progressive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant (Shared Support)
✨Get Involved in Local HR Events
Check out local HR networking events or workshops in your area. These are great opportunities to meet industry professionals, learn about the latest trends in human resources, and potentially get leads on part-time roles like the one at Southwark Council.
✨Join HR Communities Online
Platforms like SHRM Connect or HR-specific LinkedIn groups are gold mines for job leads and industry discussions. Engaging in conversations can put your name out there and might just catch the eye of someone from Southwark Council looking for a part-time star!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're studying or have recently graduated, don’t forget about your university's career services. They often have contacts in the HR world that can help you score a part-time gig, plus you can access exclusive job boards!
✨Direct Applications Through Our Website
When you find the part-time role you're excited about, apply directly through our website. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps us streamline the hiring process. Make your application stand out with a tailored approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant (Shared Support)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your People Skills:In human resources, it’s all about connecting with people. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience in recruitment, employee relations, or conflict resolution. If you’ve got any certifications in HR or related fields, don’t forget to flaunt them!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Shine Bright:When applying for a part-time HR role at Southwark Council, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and enthusiasm for the position. Discuss your passion for people management and how you can contribute to their team, even on a part-time basis.
Demonstrate Flexibility and Availability:Since it's a part-time role, be clear in your application about your availability. HR often requires a balance of flexibility and commitment, so outline any existing commitments and how you plan to manage your time effectively.
Include Real-Life Examples:When describing your experience, use specific examples that illustrate your competency in HR tasks. Whether it’s handling employee onboarding or managing records, these anecdotes can make your application stand out to Southwark Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your HR Basics Inside Out
As we're diving into a part-time HR role, let’s brush up on key HR concepts like recruitment processes, employment law, and employee engagement strategies. Prepare to explain how you've handled various HR scenarios in the past or how you'd approach them in the future – this shows you can hit the ground running!
✨Get Creative with Your HR Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio showcasing your HR projects, like recruitment plans or engagement activities you've designed. This isn't just for show; it helps us illustrate our hands-on experience and creativity, making us stand out to Southwark Council. Plus, it’s a tangible way to discuss our achievements!
✨Brush Up on Behavioural Interview Techniques
Expect a mix of traditional and behavioural interview questions. Prepare STAR answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) on how you've resolved conflicts or improved team dynamics. Since HR is all about people, our ability to communicate effectively will be under the spotlight.
✨Show Flexibility and Enthusiasm
In a part-time HR role, demonstrating a flexible approach to working hours and responsibilities can make us more appealing to Southwark Council. Expressing our eagerness to learn and contribute to the team will demonstrate that we're not just filling a position, but genuinely excited to be part of their journey!
