Karen Ellis

A highly organised Executive Support professional with extensive experience providing confidential administrative and operational support to senior directors and senior managers. Offers more than 25 years' experience in local government, with additional experience across education, social care and the private sector. Available for part-time administrative employment following redundancy from Broad Horizons Education Trust in May 2026.

Executive Support Assistant - Broad Horizons Education Trust - Norwich

(2024-06 - 2026-05)

Supported the CEO and Deputy CEO (BHET) by managing key tasks, building effective working relationships and keeping them informed about issues affecting multi-academy trusts.

• Executive diary and administrative support for the CEO, Deputy CEO and wider executive team, including call screening, arranging Google Meet and Teams meetings, coordinating travel and transport, and preparing mileage claims. Handling of confidential information.
• Meeting coordination, including the preparation of papers, arranging strategic meetings, taking minutes and following up actions. Experience in reception duties, greeting visitors and members of the public professionally, managing phone enquiries, taking accurate messages and directing as appropriate.
• Correspondence and stakeholder management, including drafting communications and maintaining relationships with internal (headteachers and staff) and external partners.
• Reporting, governance and compliance support, including monitoring progress against strategic priorities, supporting statutory reporting requirements and maintaining accurate records across multiple systems. Familiar with GDPR and data protection policies.
• Event and workshop organisation, including preparing materials, facilities and refreshments.
• HR support, including carrying out impartial investigations in line with policies.
• Internal and external communications, including updates to trustees, governors, staff and other stakeholders.
• General Trust support, helping the organisation run smoothly and supporting academies and headteachers where needed.

Executive Support Assistant - Norfolk County Council - Norwich

(2018-01 - 2024-05)

Provided confidential executive support to the Executive Director of Children's Services, managing the Director's diary and mailbox, prioritising key issues and acting as a trusted point of contact. Used sound judgement, discretion and organisational skills to brief the Director, handle sensitive matters and make decisions on her behalf where appropriate.

• Worked closely with the wider Executive Management Team and external partners, including Ofsted, the Department for Education, schools, MPs, Council Members, service users and other organisations and individuals.
• Worked in a highly confidential and politically sensitive role at the frontline of children's social care and education, handling cases that required the highest level of discretion and privacy.

Various roles supporting Senior Managers - Norfolk County Council - Norwich

(2000-03 - 2018-01)

Held various roles at Norfolk County Council supporting Assistant Directors, Senior Managers and external consultants, including project-based work across Social Care, Education, Early Help, and Quality and Performance.

HR Assistant - Zenith Windows - Norwich

(1998-11 - 2000-02)

Provided HR support within a busy manufacturing department in Norwich, covering a broad range of HR matters and acting as PA to the Health and Safety Manager.

Administration Officer/PA - Eastern Electricity Contracting

(1992-01 - 1998-12)

Held various roles in a fast-paced customer service environment, managing customer enquiries, booking appointments and scheduling tradespeople to carry out electrical work. This led to promotion to PA to the Director of Security and Fire.

Administrative Support Roles

(1981-01 - 1992-12)

Developed strong administrative, customer service and organisational skills through a range of office-based roles, supporting daily business operations, handling enquiries and providing reliable clerical support to managers and teams.

GCSEs x 5 - English and Maths - Dereham High School

RSA Word Processing and Typing - Word Processing (1981-01)

First Line Management - ILM Standard Level 3 - Management - Institute of Leadership and Management (2005-05)

OCR Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Business and Administration - Business and Administration (2011-09)