At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO with executive tasks, governance, and compliance across the Trust.
- Company: Join Wren Academies Trust, a dynamic educational organisation focused on excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community dedicated to student success and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your skills in a leadership role.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for supporting educational initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to support the Leadership Team of Wren Academies Trust as PA to the CEO. The role of the PA is to provide high‑level executive and governance support to the CEO, robust governance processes, and Trust‑wide compliance. The role includes clerking the Board of Directors’ meetings, overseeing policy management and reporting, and supporting central administrative functions including HR, finance and data protection.
Key Responsibilities
- Executive Support to the CEO
- Provide a comprehensive, confidential PA service to the CEO
- Manage complex diary coordination, communications, and prioritisation
- Prepare reports, presentations, and briefings
- Undertake research and support strategic initiatives and Trust priorities
- Governance and Clerking
- Clerk the Trust Board and Committee meetings, prepare agendas/papers, and produce high‑quality minutes
- Track actions and ensure timely follow‑up
- Maintain strong communication between Members, Trustees, and executive leaders
- Stay up to date with current and emerging best practices in this area, and proactively provide recommendations for consideration by the Trust Business Manager, Finance Director, and CEO
- Governance Compliance
- Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, ESFA, Companies House, and Charity Commission
- Maintain statutory registers and governance records
- Oversee returns, audits, and governance documentation
- Ensure compliance with GIAS (Get Information About Schools) requirements, including the accurate maintenance and timely updating of Director information, and coordinate the onboarding and offboarding processes for Directors.
- Liaise with the Trust’s website administrator to ensure the Trust section of the Academy website is accurate and regularly updated
- Trust Policy Compliance (Responsible Owner)
- Lead and manage the Trust‑wide policy compliance framework, ensuring all statutory and non‑statutory policies are current, approved, consistently managed, and aligned with regulatory requirements
- Develop, implement, and maintain a centralised policy lifecycle process, including creation, consultation, approval, publication, review, and archiving
- Act as the central coordination point between the Trust and academies, providing guidance on compliance requirements, supporting policy implementation, leading audits and compliance checks, and ensuring clear accountability for Trust‑wide and locally delegated policies
- Trust Administration and Central Team Support
- Support HR and Finance functions with administrative and project work
- Contribute to Trust‑wide strategic projects and consultations
- Coordinate and draft responses to external bodies
- Assist with Data Protection Officer (DPO) processes, including subject access requests and GDPR compliance
- Provide comprehensive HR administrative support, including professional minute‑taking at formal HR meetings (e.g. investigations, hearings, consultations) and drafting and issuing correspondence
- General Administration
- Maintain accurate records and document systems
- Support Trust events and stakeholder engagement
- Ensure consistency and professionalism in all Trust documentation
- Provide flexible support across the central team
- Professional Behaviour
- Maintain high standards of professional behaviour towards colleagues and students
- Lead by example and follow the Academy’s dress code and code of conduct
- Carry out duties in a friendly, helpful and professional manner
- Have a flexible approach and be prepared for the unusual
- Uphold and actively support the Trust’s policies and procedures on the safeguarding of young people
- Assessment
- Continue personal development as agreed in performance management
- Engage actively in the performance review process
- Address the performance management targets set by the line manager
- Other Specific Duties
- Carry out tasks (e.g. break/lunch duties) which help build relationships between all staff and students
- Play a full part in the life of the Academy community, support its distinctive aim, ethos and policies, and encourage staff and students to follow this example
- Support the Academy in meeting its legal requirements as a Church School
- Maintain an excellent record of health, attendance and punctuality
PA to CEO and Trust Senior Administrator employer: Wren Academies Trust
Wren Academies Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and well-being of its staff. With a strong commitment to governance and compliance, employees in the PA to CEO role will benefit from a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Located in a vibrant educational environment, the Trust offers unique opportunities for meaningful engagement with the community and a chance to contribute to the development of future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to CEO and Trust Senior Administrator
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Wren Academies Trust, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Wren Academies Trust and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to CEO and Trust Senior Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Wren Academies Trust and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wren Academies Trust
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Wren Academies Trust, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Wren Academies Trust.
