Job overview
To provide high quality, professional personal support and secretarial services to the Executive Director(s) across the full range of their responsibilities, acting as the main channel for communication between the Executive Director(s), colleagues within the Trust and Senior colleagues in external organisations; including but not limited to other NHS organisations, Government Bodies (local and national) and other key external partners such as Local Authorities.
The post holder requires excellent organisational ability, must be flexible and able to use initiative in resolving problems when they arise, along with a consistently high professional approach. The post holder will co-ordinate the day to day management of the Executive Director(s) office in a professional, efficient and confidential manner.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will handle highly confidential and sometimes very contentious and sensitive information of a personal, financial and political nature and will therefore be relied upon to observe and comply with specific and implied confidentiality rules and policies.
They will be expected to demonstrate high levels of integrity, independent judgement and commitment to the Trust. The post holder is expected to work flexibly to support the Executive Director(s) and assist and support other colleagues if required.
The post holder will work in partnership with other Executive Personal Assistants, the Senior Executive Personal Assistant and the Executive Business Manager to provide a comprehensive range of secretarial and administrative services, and a consistently high standard ensuring professionalism, quality and integrity.
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:
* Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
* Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance
* Access to Continued Professional Development
* Involvement in improvement and research activities
* Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service
* Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached Full Job Description & Person Specification for further details of the roles and responsibilities of the post.
Person specification
Education
Essential criteria
* * Professional secretarial/Admin Qualification, such as BTEC or NVQ4 or equivalent * RSA III or equivalent demonstrable experience of typing * Knowledge of specialist functional / healthcare terms
Desirable criteria
* * Educated to advanced level or equivalent * Secretarial training * Knowledge of Medical / Healthcare Terminology
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience of working as a Personal Assistant at Executive Director or Senior Manager level, (or demonstrable transferrable skill set) including: • Prioritisation of work streams and delivery to challenging deadlines • Effective and efficient electronic diary/inbox management (Outlook) • Handling various telephone enquiries • Organise and support various meetings and events • Audio and copy typing, taking and transcribing dictation • producing clear and accurate documents • Receiving visitors in a friendly and efficient manner • Taking and producing accurate minutes • Interpreting and collation of data into a standard format • Recording budget information • Searching, identifying and downloading appropriate information from the internet. • Retrieving information from available sources • Managing/maintaining a file system both electronic and hard files • Managing and developing office systems • Experience of arranging meetings at various locations • Preparing presentation material • Proof reading skills • Handling highly confidential and sometimes contentious / sensitive information. • Experience of working in a busy complex environment • Experience of using Microsoft Office packages (including MS Teams) • Experience of setting up spreadsheets • Previous experience of handling verbally aggressive calls from members of the public.
Desirable criteria
* * Experience of working within the NHS * Experience of working in a large complex organisation
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* • The post holder must acquire a high degree of knowledge and have the ability to deal with issues concerning the Executive Director’s priorities to enable them to operate effectively at this level. • Understanding of the NHS.
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
* • Ability to demonstrate a commitment to our organisational values • Up to date skills in office systems and functions, such as laptops, smart screens, photocopiers, laminators. • Ability to produce written reports, minutes and operational procedures in a clear concise language • Ability to handle varied and sometimes difficult situations, ensuring effective working by using full range of interpersonal skills [e.g. tact, diplomacy, negotiation, influencing, assertiveness] • Experience of passing on knowledge to others through training • Ability to work with people at all levels of the organisation, e.g. Chair, Vice Chair and Senior Managers over diary appointments/conflicts. • Ability to manage conflict • Experience of problem solving skills • File management skills • Excellent presentational skills • Dealing with multiple demands in short deadlines • Ability to quickly understand the Executive Director’s role in order to answer queries and communicate effectively • Committed to promoting a positive image of people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities
Desirable criteria
* • Knowledge of the NHS and how it functions • Knowledge of partnering organisations both Public and Private Sector • Shorthand and or speedwriting skills
📝 Application support - We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, please apply as soon as possible.