Personal Assistant to CEO

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: MET Offices (WR14 2LU)

Contract: Part Time / Term Time Only

Role Purpose

To provide a confidential and personal service to the Chief Executive Officer, carrying out a range of secretarial and administrative tasks and maintaining an efficient running of the Chief Executive Officer’s daily business.

Key Responsibilities Managing enquiries

• Act as the first point of contact for colleagues and stakeholders looking to speak with the Chief Executive Officer

• Deal with telephone and face-to-face enquiries efficiently and in a professional and supportive manner

• Assist with managing the Trust email inbox, ensuring the school meets its expected response times and emails for the Chief Executive Officer are acted on

• Manage enquiries and requests efficiently, referring where necessary

• Welcome visitors on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer

• Assist staff, parents, governors and other stakeholders with the information and support they need

• Open and respond to mail, escalating to the Chief Executive Officer where necessary

• Handle all confidential correspondence with discretion

Administration and diary management

• Coordinate the Chief Executive Officer’s diary, making decisions around priorities and ensuring the Chief Executive Officer is suitably briefed

• Organise travel and accommodation arrangements

• Support the Chief Executive Officer to manage their workload, advising on priorities where appropriate

• Prepare the Chief Executive Officer for meetings by assembling reports and relevant documents

• Respond to appropriate requests for information from governors or external agencies

• Maintain accurate records in efficient files and online systems

• Support with the coordination of certain school events, under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer

• Complete desktop research for the Chief Executive Officer, analysing findings and providing summaries for the Chief Executive Officer

  
  Written communication

Interpret Chief Executive Officer’s comments into draft written correspondence to be sent to relevant stakeholders

• Develop written communication that’s professional and upholds the school’s vision and values

• Proof-read outgoing communication to ensure it’s of the highest standard

• Support the Chief Executive Officer to use Microsoft applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

• Read and follow the relevant Trust policies

• Undertake training required to develop in the role

• Ensure all duties and responsibilities are undertaken in line with the Trust health and safety policy

• Contribute to the safety of children and young people and protect them from harm

• Provide administrative support for the wider senior leadership team when required

• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality with regard to issues concerning members of staff and pupils.

• Respond with tact, sensitivity and awareness to pupils and parents in relation to duties undertaken Requirements and Qualifications

Personal Attributes

• High integrity, accuracy and attention to detail.

• Proactive, professional and able to work independently.

• Able to influence without direct authority.

• Calm and confident when dealing with challenging situations.

• Strong commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Safeguarding

Mercian Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

The postholder must:

• Undergo enhanced DBS clearance.

• Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures.

• Report concerns immediately to the appropriate safeguarding lead.

Flexibility & Professional Growth

As MET continues to grow and evolve, roles may develop and change focus. The postholder is expected to remain flexible and responsive to the Trust’s needs, and to engage fully in professional development that supports this evolution.

This job description outlines the key duties and responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. The postholder may be asked to undertake other tasks commensurate with the role and level of responsibility. It will be reviewed annually and may be amended following consultation.

Mercian Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.