PRU Researcher New

We are looking for candidates with demonstrable experience in a Personal Assistant role (preferably in HEI), delivering excellence in the provision of support services at Director level. This is a full time position (35 hours per week) for an initial 3 month duration. The position will be based at Charterhouse Square and will be paying ?23.93 per hour plus holiday pay.  

The role holder works with the Institute Manager, Senior management, and other team members to provide overall executive support to the Director, and to support the overall effectiveness of the wider executive team.

The role holder will use their professional expertise and independent judgement to deliver an effective and efficient service to meet the requirements of staff, student and external stakeholders at the most senior levels, frequently liaising with high-profile external partners and being trusted with the most sensitive information.

The role holder is responsible for providing high-quality executive assistant support to the Director, the Director?s Office and the BCI Executive Board and will act with integrity, ensuring that professional and quality service standards are consistently maintained and applied within the role.

This is a busy role in a demanding, fast-paced environment, and the post holder will be expected to exercise sound judgement and utilise their independent judgement, acting with complete discretion at all times.

Main duties and responsibilities

Duties relating to the direct support of the Director;

?Provide effective and efficient executive assistance to the Director

?Act as a first point of contact for all communication and personal contacts for the Director

?Manage and maintain a complex appointment system and electronic diary for the Director , using independent judgement when necessary to prioritise work schedules in accordance with changing priorities, liaising and negotiating with all relevant parties in an efficient and effective way.

?Prepare comprehensive day-files, including briefing notes and other relevant materials which the role holder drafts, sources or commissions as appropriate;

?Assemble and analyse data and prepare reports, communications, presentations and other documents, as required;

?Use judgement and initiative to manage correspondence and enquiries, responding to routine matters where appropriate while keeping the Director appropriately briefed, involving others in drafting responses to more complex matters, and working with other team members to ensure that incoming correspondence and enquiries are monitored appropriately throughout the week;

?Co-ordinate travel, hospitality and room bookings, including the project management of detailed itineraries for international trips and visitors to the University;

?Support when needed financial administration in compliance with the University?s financial regulations and be responsible for the management of the purchasing card, ensuring monthly reports and documentation are retained and returns are dealt with in accordance with deadlines;

?Work with Institute management to support meetings, including:

• compiling, confirming and circulating agendas and papers;
• writing, confirming and circulating minutes;
• monitoring and reporting on actions.

Duties supporting the effective running of the Director?s Office;

?Work with the Institute Management and the Director?s Office team to ensure that everyone who comes into contact with the Director?s Office experiences a professional and welcoming service;

?Build and maintain effective networks across the University and liaising with key external contacts;

?Work flexibly with other team members to provide occasional support off-campus and outside regular working hours when required; collaborating with other team members to ensure the highest standards of operation in a busy environment, ensure that the Office is adequately staffed and that the senior team are supported

?Maintain office systems, both electronic and manual, which integrate seamlessly with the rest of the Director?s Office, including maintaining an up-to-date electronic filing system of all correspondence;

?Assist with special events as required (for example, Inaugural lectures, Distinguished Guest Lecturers, Research Showcases, Receptions for external guests, academic retreats, CRUK Engagement events);

Comply with all H&S policies and procedures and to ensure that all activities are undertaken in a safe manner.

?Undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required of the post.

Graduate or equivalent experience

Job Title: Early Clearing Specialist
Location: On-site at Elephant and Castle, Southwark Campus
Remote Work: Not available

Position Overview:
We are looking for dedicated, customer-focused Early Clearing Specialists to join our team during this year?s university clearing period. In this role, you will be the first point of contact for prospective students, offering guidance and support throughout the clearing process. You?ll play a key role in ensuring applicants receive accurate information and a positive experience as they navigate their options.

Bachelor?s degree or equivalent required.

Minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths; A-levels or equivalent qualifications are advantageous.

Previous experience in a customer service, administrative, or call center role.

Understanding of higher education or university admissions processes is advantageous.

Proficiency in using computer systems, databases, and standard office software.

Ability to learn quickly and follow procedures accurately in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver professional and friendly support to prospective students via telephone, providing clear guidance through the clearing process.

Assist applicants with completing application forms, ensuring accuracy and adherence to university policies.

Offer informed advice on available courses, entry requirements, and application procedures.

Maintain accurate records of all applicant interactions and updates within the admissions system.

Collaborate closely with the admissions team to support a smooth and efficient clearing operation.

Handle sensitive and confidential information responsibly and in line with data protection policies.

Provide general support to admissions officers with ad hoc administrative tasks.

Skills and Experience Required:

Previous experience in a customer service or call center environment.

Strong communication skills, with a clear and professional telephone manner.

Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple applications at once.

Confidence using databases and standard software applications.

Knowledge of university admissions or clearing processes is desirable but not essential.

A proactive, helpful, and team-oriented attitude with a commitment to exceptional service.

This job is NOT suitable for current students. 

Job purpose

To act as a point of contact for the Health and Lifestyle Research Unit and it?s projects, responding professionally and courteously to enquiries in person, by email and by telephone, whilst escalating more complex queries to the Stop Smoking Advisors and Research Team.  Required to provide an excellent standard of customer service and convey a helpful, positive image.

This job is located at the Smoker's Clinic, Stayner's Road, Stepney Green.

Receptionist Duties

• Manage the reception area of the Health and Lifestyle Research Unit, providing a professional, courteous and effective reception service, responding to enquiries from patients, staff and external visitors to the Unit.
• Ensuring that building access procedures are followed at alltimes. Be aware of safety procedures within the Unit and ensure that in the event of a safety breach or emergency the prescribed procedures are followed, and that the relevant staff are notified.
• Manage the room booking process for rooms within the building, including monitoring usage and ensuring users are aware of the need to conform to all appropriate building access and procedures.

Operations

• Assist the Stop Smoking Manager and Stop Smoking Teams in maintaining the efficient running of the busy Stop Smoking Services; this will include first line support for telephone and email enquiries, servicing interviews, arranging appointments, preparing starter packs for new staff and dealing with internal and external correspondence including dissemination (as requested) of any Institute, Faculty or University information to staff within the unit.
• Support the organisation of meetings (booking rooms, audio-visual equipment, catering where agreed as required) and the organisation of travel and accommodation for overseas conferences for colleagues attending these.
   

Finance 

• Assist in raising purchase orders for relevant activities undertaken.
• Process colleague expenses claims and liaise with Finance for payment of these.

Facilities 

• Maintain office equipment (photocopiers, printers etc.) and arrange servicing and repairs when necessary.

• GCSE Maths and English (grade C/4 or above) or equivalent 
• Further educational qualifications / accreditation (ideally related to this role) - Desirable
   

• Experience of carrying out a range of administrative tasks, in relation to supporting an organisation?s day to day operational delivery
• Experience of delivering excellence in customer service in a front line reception (or similar front of house) environment
• Experience of / involvement with / knowledge of accounts (financial) administration (e.g. ordering supplies, financial record keeping, stock control, purchase orders) 
• Experience of working in an Academic or Higher Education environment

Skills:

• Ability to understand and actively contribute to the advancing of your own knowledge and that of others, with regards to diversity, equality and inclusion
• Ability to draft correspondence through good written skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish good working relationships with both staff and students and a wide range of external agencies; enable you to provide engaging support to a variety of visitors to the Institute reception.
• Good numerical skills with a methodical approach and attention to detail
• Good organisational skills with the ability to balance competing demands and prioritise a varied workload with minimal supervision
• Ability to work within a team and contribute to effective team working