Executive Assistant

ABOUT THE PASSAGE 

Our vision is of a society where homelessness no longer exists, and everyone has a place to call home.  

The Passage is based in the heart of Westminster, providing practical support and a wide range of services to help transform the lives of people who are, or are at risk of, street homelessness.  

We are guided by our Vincentian values and offer our clients resources and solutions to prevent or end their homelessness for good, including routes to employment, benefits, and stable accommodation. 

Our current 3-year strategy ‘The Art of The Possible’, outlines the innovative approach we will be taking over the next 3 years building on a foundation of collaboration and focusing on three goals: preventing, convening and sustaining.  The Passage is in a secure and financially stable position and is viewed by central, regional and local government as a key strategic partner.  

JOB PURPOSE  

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and reporting directly to the CEO, this role is of critical importance in supporting The Passage to achieve its vision and mission.   

The Executive Assistant provides dedicated support to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, with key tasks including action tracking, minute taking, developing resources and materials for events, diary management and regularly being the first point of contact for individuals and organisations seeking to liaise with the CEO/Senior Leadership Team. We expect the post holder will have excellent relationship management skills, sound experience of using Office 365 products, strong organisational skills and the ability to support the smooth running of the Executive Team and governance functions.  

The post holder will facilitate effective governance support systems, including organising meetings and supporting Trustees and Committee members to fulfil their roles where needed. They will also have excellent professional standards of confidentiality and discretion in all areas of work, including assisting and supporting high profile events at The Passage. 

MAIN DUTIES 

• Support the effective governance systems of The Passage Group (P2000, Passage Housing Services and Passage Trading Services) by ensuring effective Trustee and Committee member recruitment, induction and continued professional development.   

• Support each Chair of Board with the implementation and ongoing review of a skills matrix system. 

• Act as the first point of contact for external bodies and individuals who wish to communicate with the Chief Executive, ensuring that the organisation is professionally represented and seen as accessible and responsive. 

• Liaise with Board members, teams and external organisations as necessary to facilitate the work of the Senior Leadership Team. 

• Assist the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to project manage specific pieces of work and assist with the relationship management of key stakeholders. 

• Maintain professional standards of confidentiality and discretion in all areas of work. 

• Develop and manage systems that provide effective support for the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, including diary management, scheduling and servicing meetings, project planning and monitoring communications.  

• Assist in producing resources and other materials for the Senior Leadership Team as required. 

• Assist and support the CEO and Senior Leadership Team with the management and running of high-profile events as required. 

• Provide administrative support to Senior Leadership Team, Board and all Governance Committees including the production of annual governance meeting schedules, correspondence and minutes, and compiling and circulating papers.  

• Maintain an up to date and accessible filing system for the Chief Executive and ensure that all information is stored in an accessible manner on SharePoint, adhering to data protection requirements. 

• Arrange meetings for the Chief Executive providing links with those involved and preparing hospitality, papers, and all practical arrangements. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• In conjunction with your Line Manager, continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage. 

• Participate in internal/external meetings as required, and attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary. 

• Participate in regular supervision, annual appraisal and identifying individual professional and personal development and training needs. 

• Ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to, particularly those relating to Health and Safety, Code of Practice and Confidentiality. 

• Contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults. 

• Undertake your role in a professional manner at all times to maintain a high-quality standard of work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage. 

• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role. 

Note: The details contained in this Job Description summarise the main expectations of the role at the date it was prepared. It should be understood that the nature of individual roles will evolve and change as service, service users and commissioner needs change. Consequently The Passage will review and revise this Job Description as required in consultation with post holders. 

Person Specification: Executive Assistant  

The person speification sets out the essential abilities and qualities that will be used in the selection criteria for this post.  When completing your application form, please address criteria E1 to E6 and K1 to K4 demonstrating your experience and knowledge, giving evidence of your experience and abilities. 

EXPERIENCE 

E1 Experience of working as an Executive Assistant or equivalent senior support in a similar context. 

E2 Experience of devising and maintaining governance support systems (recruitment, induction, training and development and skills audit support).  

E3 Experience of administering effective governance cycles; including minutes, action tracking and preparation of papers. 

E4 Experience of diary management, inbox management and stakeholder coordination. 

E5 Experience supporting strategic projects, programmes, or organisational planning. 

E6 Excellent communication skills, with ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a range of diverse stakeholders, both internal and external.  

KNOWLEDGE  

K1 Knowledge of Office 365 products and project tracking tools. 

K2  Enhanced knowledge of governance and committee structures within a charitable organisation.  

K3  Knowledge of GDPR and Charity Commission guidelines for good governance. 

K4  Knowledge and experience of working as part of a senior leadership team or similar.