Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive

The National Forest; Moira; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension scheme

30 days’ annual leave + 10.5 public/PR

Staff bonuses

Flexible working options

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts on gym memberships

Job summary

The National Forest is seeking an Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive to provide high-level executive, administrative and governance support to senior leadership and Board, managing diaries, meetings and communications for the Chief Executive, Chair and Directors. You will ensure timely decisions, maintain confidentiality and deliver clear, professional communications.

You will oversee Board and Committee administration, coordinate the annual calendar of meetings, support Trustee

Qualifications

• At least three years’ experience in a similar high-level role, including acting as secretariat to Boards and Committees, operating administration systems, and demonstrating confidentiality and discretion
• Experience of senior stakeholder relationship management
• Broad knowledge of charity and corporate governance and legislation
• Knowledge of relevant administrative systems and tools, including CRM databases, Microsoft Office suite, web and e-communications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing presentations and papers for meetings, and minute taking
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills
• A professional administrative qualification or equivalent experience at a senior level

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level executive, administrative and governance support to our senior leadership and Board.
• Manage diaries, meetings, correspondence and communications for the Chief Executive, Chair and Directors, ensuring commitments and priorities are coordinated.
• Overseeing Board and Committee administration, managing meeting arrangements, agendas, minutes and governance documentation.
• Act as a key liaison with senior stakeholders, support Trustee arrangements, governance processes and high-profile events.
• Co-ordinate the annual calendar of Board and Committee meetings; Organise the Annual General Meeting; Support Trustee recruitment, induction and reviews.
• Maintain governance records and registers of interest; Liaise with Ministers, MPs and external partners; Organise parliamentary receptions and stakeholder events.

Skills

Governance knowledge

Stakeholder management

Discretion / confidentiality

Microsoft Office

Minute taking

Presentation skills

Education

Senior-level admin qualification

Tools

CRM databases

Job description

Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive

Moira, Swadlincote, DE12

Our Vision for Transformation through Forests

This is a defining moment for the National Forest, with a renewed Vision to harness the transformative power of forests to restore nature, connect communities, and drive enterprise for a positive future. Over 30 years, this 200 square mile landscape has been reshaped, more than 10 million trees planted, and forest cover increased from 6% to 26%. Now, we are ready to build on this success, enabling three new national forests and championing a forest network for England.

We are now looking for an Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive to join us on a permanent, full-time basis.

The Benefits

• Salary of £38,465 per annum
• Civil Service Pension scheme
• 30 days’ annual leave plus 10.5 days’ public and privilege holidays
• Staff bonuses
• Flexible working options
• Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Discounts on gym memberships

  This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced senior executive support professional with strong governance knowledge and stakeholder management skills to join our ambitious organisation.

  You’ll have the chance to work with us as we enter a defining new chapter, utilising your skills and expertise to enable a bold vision to restore nature, connect communities and expand the impact of forests across England.

  What’s more, you’ll gain valuable high-level exposure, working closely with senior leaders whilst benefiting from a generous rewards package designed to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.

  The Role

  As Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive, you will provide high-level executive, administrative and governance support to our senior leadership and Board.

  You will manage diaries, meetings, correspondence and communications for the Chief Executive, Chair and Directors, ensuring their commitments and priorities are effectively co-ordinated.

  Overseeing Board and Committee administration, you will manage meeting arrangements, agendas, minutes and governance documentation.

  Acting as a key liaison with senior stakeholders, you will also support Trustee arrangements, governance processes and high-profile events.

  Additionally, you will:

  • Co-ordinate the annual calendar of Board and Committee meetings
  • Organise the Annual General Meeting
  • Support Trustee recruitment, induction and reviews
  • Maintain governance records and registers of interest
  • Liaise with Ministers, MPs and external partners
  • Organise parliamentary receptions and stakeholder events

  About You

  To be considered as an Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive, you will need:

  • At least three years’ experience in a similar high-level role, including acting as secretariat to Boards and Committees, operating administration systems, and demonstrating confidentiality and discretion
  • Experience of senior stakeholder relationship management
  • Broad knowledge of charity and corporate governance and legislation
  • Knowledge of relevant administrative systems and tools, including CRM databases, Microsoft Office suite, web and e-communications
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing presentations and papers for meetings, and minute taking
  • Exceptional organisational and time management skills
  • A professional administrative qualification or equivalent experience at a senior level

  The closing date for this role is 16th November 2026.

  Interviews are to be held on 23rd November 2026.

  Other organisations may call this role Personal Assistant, PA, EA, Executive Support Officer, Senior Administrator, Business Support Executive, Secretary, or Senior Administrative Assistant.

  Webrecruit and The National Forest are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.

  So, if you’re ready to take your next step as an Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive,