Job overview
The Personal Assistant provides efficient organisational and administrative support to the Director and Deputy Director of Nursing, acting as a key enabler for the Nursing Directorate, ensuring leaders are supported, informed, and organised to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Main duties of the job
Managing and prioritising their diaries to accommodate changing demands and urgent meetings.
Co‑ordinating and organising meetings, working with colleagues across the Trust and wider system partners.
Preparing agendas, papers, and documentation in advance of meetings and ensuring information is circulated appropriately
Handling communication on behalf of the DoN and DDoN, including managing calls, emails, and queries, using discretion and judgement to prioritise appropriately.
Providing meeting support, including taking accurate minutes and initiating follow‑up actions where needed.
Producing and drafting documents, some of which may contain sensitive or confidential information.
Maintaining effective administrative systems, such as filing and bring‑forward systems, to support efficient workflow.
Offering wider administrative support to the Senior Leadership Nursing Team as required.
Working for our organisation
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.
Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
Right to Work in the UK: This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Person specification
Education Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria
* HNC / level 4 vocational qualification / HND or equivalent level of qualification or proven experience.
* RSA III in word-processing or typing or equivalent qualification (or equivalent level of experience).
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience of working with computer systems, to include Microsoft Office, in a working environment.
* Experience of setting up and maintaining systems.
Desirable criteria
* Significant and recent experience as a PA or Senior Secretary within a Public Sector setting.
* Experience of working with a range of staff at all levels
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
* Evidence of effective communication skills both written and oral.
* Evidence of proven organisational skills with the ability to plan and prioritise work to meet own and departmental deadlines.
* An understanding of the meaning of confidentiality and the requirement for this to be maintained.
Desirable criteria
* Evidence of ability to make decisions within defined boundaries.
* Evidence of ability to work as part of a team and autonomously, with minimal supervision.
Our Mission
Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.
Our Vision
Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
Our Values
Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.
The closing date/interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.
Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.
You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.