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Personal Assistant to Deputy Directors - advertised on behalf of Essex CRC

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

Job Introduction

Essex CRC is currently seeking a dynamic, organised and motivated individual to join the Essex CRC Business Support team as PA to Deputy Directors on fixed term contract.

As PA to Deputy Directors you will provide a comprehensive and confidential service, managing correspondence, diaries and workload, supporting meetings and providing general administrative support as required. Meeting support will include arranging meetings, preparation of papers and note taking as requested.

Meet and anticipate the needs of Deputy Directors, working on own initiative as appropriate, with ability to problem solve.

You will develop positive working relationships with CRC managers and senior leaders, as well as with local stakeholders, partners and within the wider Sodexo business. 

Role Responsibility

  • Manage Deputy Directors diaries, taking initiative to resolve conflicting demands and ensure meetings are effectively co-ordinated with relevant documentation provided.  Arrange meetings / appointments and manage and maintain a comprehensive and up to date electronic diary for Deputy Directors.
  • Manage Deputy Directors mail, including prioritising items, acknowledging invitations and requests, noting due dates, ensuring follow up and action.
  • Organise, support and minute internal and external meetings, including liaison with the Authority, key stakeholders, partners and the SLT, ensuring required supporting arrangements are in place and documents are produced and distributed in a timely manner and to a professional standard.  Produce action logs and follow up with action owners.
  • Respond to correspondence and telephone calls as required, using own initiative to reply or obtain further information for Deputy Directors, dealing with requests and issues as appropriate, acting as a gatekeeper for Deputy Director’s time as appropriate.
  • Manage travel and accommodation requirements.
  • Develop positive relationships with managers, stakeholders and partners.
  • Undertake projects, monitor and report on performance or contract issues on behalf of the Deputy Director.
  • Contact / liaise / respond to key stakeholders and partners - NPS/HMPPS/MOJ, other CRCs, statutory and voluntary organisations as required.
  • Develop and implement administrative systems to support business as required.
  • Maintain filing systems, including those of a confidential nature, in a timely manner to ensure all working files are up to date and prompt and efficient retrieval of information can be achieved.
  • Take responsibility for a wide range of delegated tasks including the maintenance and updating of key documents, registers, databases etc
  • Monitor incoming post, paperwork, movement of files and preparation and dispatch of routine papers or correspondence for Deputy Directors and maintain efficient filing systems.
  • Ensure all activities are conducted with confidentiality and, respect at all times.
  • Use IT and equipment appropriately and in accordance with Essex CRC policies including; Maintain and input data / statistics into electronic databases e.g. production and reproduction of documents, copy typing for the production of complex text, statistical and other reports, charts, and responding to routine correspondence etc.
  • Contribute to administrative processes for Business Support function, providing cover assistance  if required.
  • Participate in the supervision and appraisal process with the line manager, and in on-going training and development events in order to develop practice and skills.  Attend team briefings and team meetings.
  • Carry out DS and DBS disclosure checks for new starters as requested by managers.

The Ideal Candidate

Growth, client and customer satisfaction

  • Anticipates, recognises and responds to client and customer expectations and needs, and tailors solutions accordingly.
  • Builds trust and support of others by ensuring comms are timely, accurate and honest.
  • Sets up systems or follows processes to track and monitor achievement of Service Level Measures.
  • Takes pride in providing services which improve quality of life services and promote the CRC and Sodexo brands.

Rigorous management of results

  • Understands and works to achieve SMART objectives.
  • Prepared to go the extra mile.
  • Keeps up to date with business performance.
  • Makes time to learn about and grow understanding of the key financial drivers of the business.

Leadership and People Management

  • Treats others with respect and dignity and demonstrates sensitivity for the values, views and needs of others.
  • Promotes and values a diverse workforce.
  • Works effectively as part of a team.
  • Actively encourages commitment from team members.

Innovation and change

  • Able to think on their feet, deal with challenging situations, take responsibility for problems as they arise and act decisively.
  • Respond to feedback in a proactive manner.
  • Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing, ensuring sensitive decisions are delivered in an appropriate way.
  • Shows interest in others and takes time to establish relationships with them.
  • Actively supports change and helps create an environment which is receptive to change.

Brand Notoriety

  • Understands the vision for the CRC and Sodexo band.
  • Supports CRC and Sodexo community or charitable initiatives.
  • Reinforces the visibility of the brands.
  • Takes appropriate actions to protect the CRC and Sodexo brands.

Package Description

Band 3 salary commencing at £22,039 pro-rated

9 months fixed term contract

37 hours per week, 27 days holiday + 8 bank holidays (pro-rated), defined contribution pension scheme, company sick pay, group discount scheme.

May be required to travel around the country and in exceptional circumstances unsocial hours may apply.

Interviews will take place on 19th September

About the Company

The role of Essex CRC is to rehabilitate service users, reduce reoffending and protect the public and we are one of six CRCs operated by Sodexo Justice Services in the UK.  We work with service users both in the community and in custody to deliver the sentence of the court, to rehabilitate them and to provide a range of programmes and interventions to turn their lives around.  We deliver effective offender management and rehabilitation services to low and medium risk service users and our highly skilled staff work in a range of disciplines to make a real difference.  Our aim is to create a better future for the people we work  with - service users, victims and their families and local communities.  We are proud to have strong relationships with other criminal justice agencies, local authorities, health trusts, employment and training providers, and work with contracted partners to enhance delivery to our service users. 

We serve the county from the 6 major towns: Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Thurrock, Basildon, Southend. Essex CRC is  an Equal Opportunities employer. All applicants are considered on the basis of suitability for the post, irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or religion.

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