Job Description

Are you an exceptional Executive Assistant or PA (or experienced in a similar role) ready to make a difference? Do you thrive in fast-paced, purpose-led environments where your skills in coordination, communication and relationship-building are vital to a bigger mission?

At The Children's Homes Association, we support organisations across England and Wales to deliver exemplary residential childcare. We are a small team with a big voice, working to influence policy, strengthen care providers, and ultimately improve life outcomes for some of the most vulnerable children in our society.

We're looking for a highly capable Executive Assistant to provide trusted, hands-on support to our CEO, Dr Mark Kerr. This is more than just an administrative role - it's a critical post at the heart of our work, requiring sound judgement, initiative, and the ability to bring clarity and calm to a complex and dynamic schedule.

This is:

A rewarding role with real impact on children's lives A unique opportunity to work with an inspiring leader in children's social care A varied, fast-paced working environment A small, supportive and committed team Learn more about our work at the-cha.org.uk Visit our YouTube channel youtube.com/@CHAORGUK

About the Role

You'll work closely with the CEO to manage a constantly evolving workload and priorities -from stakeholder meetings and public speaking engagements to sector events, research partnerships and advocacy campaigns. You'll be a key member of a small, collaborative team that's growing fast and achieving national impact.

This role is ideal for someone who:

Thrives on variety and takes ownership of their work Loves solving problems and bringing structure to fast-moving environments Builds strong working relationships with people at all levels Can communicate professionally and confidently on behalf of others Is highly organised, tech-savvy and eager to learn
Key Responsibilities

Diary and inbox management: Ensure the CEO is in the right place at the right time with the right information, by managing a complex and fast-moving calendar, arranging meetings, filtering correspondence and prioritising demands. Travel and logistics: Coordinate frequent travel arrangements across the UK, often with short notice, ensuring smooth transitions and flexibility in changing circumstances. Project and event support: Assist in planning and delivering major annual events (e.g., AGM, conference, regional meetings), including booking venues, preparing schedules, liaising with attendees and overseeing logistics. Communication and relationship management: Act as the first point of contact for key stakeholders, including members, policymakers and partners. Communicate professionally on behalf of the CEO and maintain strong working relationships across the sector. Briefings and documents: Draft high-quality documents including agendas, meeting notes, presentations and internal communications. Ensure the CEO is always prepared with accurate, concise and relevant information. Information management: Help manage digital tools and systems, including our CRM and membership platform. Use initiative to stay on top of new platforms (e.g., AI tools like ChatGPT) and keep the CEO well supported.

How You'll Excel in the Role

Be proactive in developing a deep understanding of The CHA's mission and the CEO's workload, priorities and key relationships Use sound judgement and discretion to manage sensitive communications and confidential information Stay one step ahead, anticipating needs and navigating complexity with confidence Apply your initiative and adaptability to keep pace with shifting schedules, competing priorities and tight deadlines Communicate with clarity and professionalism - whether writing emails, briefing documents or speaking directly with sector leaders Use your digital skills to enhance our operations and bring efficiency to day-to-day tasks Be a key contributor to team success - working flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues across a range of projects

About Our CEO

You'll be supporting Dr Mark Kerr, a leading figure in residential childcare with a deeply personal and professional connection to the sector. Having grown up in a children's home himself, Mark brings decades of experience as a practitioner, researcher and advocate. His role is dynamic, fast-paced and high-profile - often juggling government meetings, press interviews, stakeholder events and sector briefings - and he will rely on you to bring focus, structure and support to this vital work.

Person Specification

Essential

Proven experience as a Personal or Executive Assistant (or equivalent role) Outstanding organisational and diary management skills Strong verbal and written communication High emotional intelligence and confidence dealing with senior stakeholders Ability to work under pressure, managing multiple competing priorities Discretion, reliability and professionalism Strong digital literacy - proficient in Microsoft 365 and confident using CRMs and collaborative platforms Proactive and self-motivated with a problem-solving mindset

Desirable

Experience in the charity, education, care or public sectors Familiarity with CRM systems or membership databases Experience using AI tools like ChatGPT, or willingness to learn Project coordination or event support experience A genuine interest in children's social care or public policy

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering letter explaining why you'd be a great fit for this role.

Learn more about our work at the-cha.org.uk*

Visit our YouTube channel youtube.com/@CHAORGUK*

Diversity and Inclusion

The Children's Homes Association is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and particularly welcome those with lived experience of the care system or from underrepresented groups. If you require any adjustments to the application process, please contact us and we'll do our best to support you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

Are you happy with travel across England and Wales and occasional international travel? Do you have a minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar role? Do you have strong digital literacy, proficient in Microsoft 365, and confidence in using CRMs and collaborative platforms? Do you have experience using AI tools, such as ChatGPT? Do you have the right to work in the UK? Do you have a full UK driving license?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Faversham ME13 8AD

Reference ID: EACHA