Personal Assistant

Personal Assistant

Location: Portsmouth
Contract: Initial 6-month assignment
Hours: 37 hours per week
Rate: £18 per hour (Umbrella) (£14 PAYE an hour)

About the Role Portsmouth City Council is seeking an experienced Personal Assistant to provide high-level executive support to the Heads of Children & Families Services. You will join a small, supportive team of PAs who ensure the seamless running of day-to-day operations across the Senior Leadership Team.

This is a fast-paced and highly responsible position requiring exceptional organisational ability, attention to detail and the confidence to manage sensitive information and complex workloads.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide proactive PA support to Senior Managers across Children & Families Services
• Manage complex calendars, meetings, panels, and prioritise conflicting demands
• Handle email inboxes, correspondence and communications on behalf of senior leaders
• Coordinate the Children’s Social Care FOI (Freedom of Information) process
• Oversee administration of weekly Placement Decision-Making Panels
• Prepare agendas, papers and take accurate minutes at confidential and complex meetings
• Liaise professionally with Councillors, partner agencies, and internal/external stakeholders
• Support Ofsted preparation and ongoing regulatory tasks
• Manage purchase orders, invoices and basic financial processes
• Assist with recruitment tasks and induction arrangements
• Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism and customer care

About You We are looking for someone who can hit the ground running. You will need:

• Significant experience supporting a Head of Service, Director or Senior Manager
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Confidence taking minutes at sensitive or complex meetings
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Outstanding organisational ability with a proactive, problem-solving attitude
• Ability to work with highly confidential and sometimes emotionally challenging information
• Knowledge of data protection and safeguarding principles
• A calm, professional and resilient manner

Additional Information
Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.
This assignment is offered on an umbrella basis at £18 per hour.