Executive Assistant to Chief People Officer and Deputies

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Poole; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support the Chief People Officer and Deputies. You will coordinate diaries, prepare board papers, manage high-priority requests and act as a trusted partner to the senior People & Culture team.

The role balances strategic administration with hands-on organisation, requires discretion and strong communication, and offers a dynamic NHS environment across Trust sites with flexible working options.

Job description

Executive Assistant to Chief People Officer and Deputies

Company:

Company: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

A Vacancy at Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust.

Are you an exceptional organiser who thrives on variety, building relationships, solving problems, and making things happen behind the scenes?

We're looking for a highly professional and proactive Executive Assistant to provide support to our CPO and Deputies across bothDorset HealthCareandDorset County Hospital. This is far more than a traditional PA role. You’ll be at the centre of our People and Culture function as a trusted partner, managing complex priorities, managing high volume in-boxes, coordinating Board business and high profile meetings, taking minutes and following up actions, supporting key projects, and helping to drive our People and Culture agenda forward.

No two days are the same; working directly with senior leaders, you'll play an essential role in enabling effective decision making and ensuring the smooth running of a friendly and supportive team. We are very happy to support flexible working but attendance on Trust sites from time to time is required.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

This role is only open to individuals currently employed within the NHS. You are required confirm you are a current bank worker or employee of an NHS Trust.

We are looking for someone who:

Has previous PA/Executive Assistant experience supporting senior leaders

Is highly organised and calm under pressure

Can manage competing priorities and complex diaries with ease

Produces exceptional written work, reports and meeting papers

Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Demonstrates absolute discretion, professionalism and integrity

Enjoys working independently and taking initiative

Previous NHS experience is highly desirable.

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.

We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate’s individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do [e-mail]

This advert closes on Wednesday 21 Oct 2026

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust