Personal Assistant

Executive Personal Assistant (Chief Medical Officer) – NHS London

UK Based Applicants / NHS Jobs Opportunity

Quick Job Summary

About the Role

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust is recruiting an Executive Personal Assistant to support the Chief Medical Officer and Senior Team.

This is a senior administrative and executive-support position suited to an experienced Personal Assistant who can work confidently in a fast-paced NHS environment.

The successful candidate will provide high-level administrative, secretarial and organisational support while helping senior leaders manage competing priorities, meetings, communications, projects and stakeholder relationships.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality personal assistance, secretarial and administrative support.
• Manage and coordinate complex executive diaries.
• Organise meetings and ensure appropriate preparation and follow-up.
• Prepare briefings and support senior leaders before meetings.
• Manage emails, telephone calls and other communications.
• Coordinate multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Support projects and organisational planning activities.
• Prepare correspondence, reports and other documentation.
• Service and take minutes at high-level committee meetings.
• Act as a communication link between senior leaders and internal and external stakeholders.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Support senior leaders in managing their time effectively.
• Prioritise appointments, actions and requests according to organisational priorities.
• Maintain strong professional relationships across the Trust.
• Work closely with the wider Executive Team and senior leaders.
• Take appropriate action in the absence of senior leaders where required.
• Ensure communications and actions are completed within agreed deadlines.
• Maintain a professional and welcoming image of the Trust.
• Adapt administrative support to changing organisational requirements.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have:

• A degree or equivalent experience relevant to the position.
• Recent substantial experience working as a PA at Director or Deputy level.
• Experience coordinating multiple tasks with competing demands.
• Experience working to very tight deadlines.
• Experience servicing and taking minutes at high-level committee meetings.
• Advanced knowledge of standard office administrative practices and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels of seniority.
• Highly developed problem-solving skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to unexpected demands.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work proactively and independently.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgement.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

Digital and AI Skills

The person specification specifically includes familiarity with AI tools used in administrative settings.

The successful applicant should also be able to:

• Adapt to new technologies.
• Champion digital solutions within the team.
• Use technology to improve administrative processes.
• Exercise sound judgement when using automation.
• Understand when human oversight is required, particularly for sensitive or complex matters.

Communication Skills

Candidates should be able to communicate effectively through:

• Email
• Telephone
• Face-to-face communication
• Formal correspondence
• Meetings and committees
• Communication with senior executives and external stakeholders

You should be confident handling complex matters and difficult situations requiring persuasion, influence, tact and professionalism.

Confidentiality and Professionalism

Because the role directly supports senior NHS leadership, the successful applicant will be expected to demonstrate a high level of discretion.

The role may involve:

• Confidential information
• Sensitive organisational matters
• Potentially contentious issues
• Senior-level communications
• Complex stakeholder relationships
• Time-sensitive requests

Salary and Employment Details

Salary: £32,073 – £39,043 per annum + HCAS

Band: NHS Band 5

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Location

University Hospital Lewisham
Lewisham High Street
London
SE13 6LH
United Kingdom

The successful candidate may also be required to work across the Trust’s main sites.

About Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust highlights its commitment to supporting its workforce and creating an inclusive working environment.

The Trust’s initiatives include equality, diversity and inclusion programmes, staff networks, flexible working and employment-support initiatives.

Visa Sponsorship / Certificate of Sponsorship

Important for international applicants:

The vacancy information provided does not explicitly confirm that Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that this role offers visa sponsorship.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK, confirm the Trust’s current sponsorship position before relying on this vacancy for a visa application.

Who Should Apply?

This position may be suitable for candidates with experience as:

• Executive Personal Assistant
• Senior Personal Assistant
• Personal Assistant to a Director
• Personal Assistant to a Deputy Director
• Executive Assistant
• Senior Executive Assistant
• NHS Senior Administrator
• Corporate Support Officer
• Senior Administrative Officer

Key Skills Required

Executive Support: Experience supporting Directors, Deputy Directors or senior executives.

Organisation: Ability to manage diaries, meetings, deadlines and competing priorities.

Communication: Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information with tact and discretion.

Problem Solving: Ability to respond effectively to unexpected demands.

Digital Skills: Ability to work with modern office technology and AI-enabled administrative tools.

Judgement: Ability to determine when automation can be used and when human oversight is essential.

Independence: Ability to work proactively with minimal supervision.

Application Deadline

Closing date: 20 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to review the complete vacancy requirements and submit their application before the deadline.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the official NHS Jobs vacancy

Direct Application:

Employer Website

Vacancy Reference

197-RF8689

Important Applicant Notice

Job seekers should carefully read the official NHS Jobs advertisement before applying.

Job information, salary, eligibility requirements, closing dates and sponsorship arrangements can change. The official NHS Jobs listing should always be treated as the final source of information.

For applicants requiring UK visa sponsorship, verify sponsorship availability directly with the recruiting Trust before making immigration-related decisions.