Jo Brooks

Provide a wide variety of complex and confidential strategic executive support to the Headteacher and to coordinate and deliver effective and proactive administrative and strategic support service to associated Senior Leadership Team members. Develop a good understanding of the needs of the Headteacher, SLT and school business overall, operating in accordance with the school policies, processes and procedures, to be able to make a significant contribution to the effective delivery of key administrative operations and a strategic viewpoint.

Strategic Executive Assistant to the Headteacher at Ashton Park Secondary School & Sixth Form (2021-09 – Present)

Provide a wide variety of complex and confidential strategic executive support to the Headteacher and to coordinate and deliver effective and proactive administrative and strategic support service to associated Senior Leadership Team members. Develop a good understanding of the needs of the Headteacher, SLT and school business overall, operating in accordance with the school policies, processes and procedures, to be able to make a significant contribution to the effective delivery of key administrative operations and a strategic viewpoint.

• Provide a comprehensive and confidential service to the Headteacher and associated Senior Leadership Team members where required, including but not limited to support with projects administration, diary management, booking training courses and developing and managing business related administrative procedures
• Provide key signposting advice and strategic and appropriate guidance to senior colleagues, other school stakeholders and external callers
• Develop and draft internal and external communications when requested by the Headteacher or as connected with senior peer or project support
• Assist in the organisation of workload/s, recommending items to be dealt with in order of priority
• Proactively offer strategic guidance and support the coordination and administration support for specific projects and their development as directed by the Headteacher and /or other SLT team members
• Use IT skills to produce and manipulate data and documents to ensure a high standard of accuracy and presentation
• Liaise, communicate and build relationships with other internal departments, customers, partner organisations, agencies and/or contractors to support and represent the school
• Undertake and coordinate management projects as needed in a defined area of activity to support and enhance school activities and service delivery
• Attend leadership strategy sessions and consolidate and produce business plans for review together with other senior leaders
• Provide essential strategic support for members of the Senior Leadership Team
• Assist the headteacher to track and provide reports on the development of strategic initiatives
• Provide a professional media relations service across all aspects of the school's work, contributing towards raising the school's profile and voice
• Research, write and create news releases and stories on all aspects of the school's work and publishing social media content and key publications for the school
• Complaints Handling and Maintain good working knowledge of the school's current systems, policies and procedures. Key policies may include protocols for Ofsted, Exclusion management, Safeguarding management and Recruitment
• Act as the initial point of contact assisting the resolution of issues/queries independently, signposting and recommending alternative solutions if unable to assist, and ensuring that efficient, day-to-day customer service is delivered
• Monitor own and Headteacher work streams and objectives to ensure agile and effective SEA support service delivery
• Plan and prioritise own and reportee work activities daily and for months ahead, to ensure operational efficiency
• Respond effectively to changing demands, adjusting priorities as needed in a well organised and communicated manner
• Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality in and outside of the workplace
• Be proactive in matters relating to health and safety and report accidents as required and taking reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others
• Support and embody the aims and ethos of the school setting a good example in terms of dress, behaviour, punctuality and attendance
• Uphold and support the school's policies and procedures on the safeguarding of young people

Clerk to the Governing Board at St Bernadette Catholic Primary School (2018-09 – 2021-09)

Clerk to the Governing Board at St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School (2020-09 – 2021-09)

Office Administrator at Knowle Park Primary School (2018-02 – 2021-09)

As part of a team, running the day to day school office liaising with all parties from pupils to Governors. Using SIMs, Microsoft packages, manning a busy phone and maintaining communications with SLT.

Exam Invigilator at St Bernadette Secondary School

Clerk to the Governing Board at Bridge Farm Primary School (2017-09 – 2019-11)

Office Administrator and paraplanner at The Aspire Partnership (2013-05 – 2017-09)

Receptionist/Administrator

Paraplanner/Administrator at Independent Professional Investments (2011-01 – 2013-04)

Managing and creating financial reports

Sales Support Manager then Administrator at Standard Life Ltd (2005-05 – 2013-04)

Managed a phone based support team of 20, then in 2007 started a family. Returned to work as a Support Administrator

Financial Advisor at Graduate & Professional (2003-04 – 2005-05)

Giving clients financial advice

Mortgage Advisor at Skipton Building Society (2001-10 – 2003-04)

Giving clients mortgage advice

Sales Support at Friends Provident (1999-04 – 2001-10)

Sales Support at Royal & Sun Alliance (1997-07 – 1999-04)

GCSE – Hartcliffe Secondary Comp School (1990-09 – 1995-08)

A Levels – St Brendans 6th Form College (1995-09 – 1997-07)