Governance & Executive Support Assistants (2 Positions Available)

About the role

Ashgate Hospice is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. This means we are committed to inclusive hiring and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week usually worked Monday to Friday ) with flexibility to consider as a part-time post (at least 30 hours per week) or job share. Flexibility is needed  to cover some evening or weekend working

Join our team as a Governance & Executive Support Assistant and make a difference!

Do you want a job where you can help others and have a positive impact on your community?  Then we’ve got the perfect role for you.

We are looking for a Governance & Executive Support Assistants to join our hospice team and play an important role in supporting strong leadership, effective governance and high-quality care for the people and families we serve.

While this role is not patient-facing, it is fundamental to achieving that vision. By supporting strong governance, effective decision-making and well-organised leadership processes, you will help ensure our services remain safe, compassionate and responsive to the needs of the people we care for.

Our Governance Team helps keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, making sure we deliver our strategy and in turn delivering the best possible care. We’re made up of a Head of Corporate Governance, and x2 Governance & Executive Support Assistant roles - and we work closely together to support teams across the hospice.

We’re a friendly, supportive team where everyone’s ideas are welcome, and we genuinely care about the work we do.

If you want to be part of something truly meaningful. Then we’d love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide efficient and effective governance and secretariat support to all aspects of the Governance Framework to support the smooth and efficient operation of the Board and other governance groups/meetings ensuring compliance with the hospice’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• Provide high quality executive support to the Board, Chief Executive and members of the Leadership Team as required.
• Preparation of meeting agendas, quality assurance and the distribution of papers, also ensuring the timely production of high-quality meeting minutes.
• Manage complex and sensitive diaries, arrange meetings, schedule away days, and co-ordinate executive correspondence.

What you’ll bring:

 Here’s what we’re looking for:

You will have excellent IT (Information Technology) skills, outstanding communication and organising skills, work well as part of skilled team and experience of supporting a Board and Senior Management.

You will be a team player who is able to support the team with a hands on, proactive approach to work, and a drive to develop and improve processes. Above all, you’ll possess the personal attributes we seek and feel a strong affinity with our values -   We are compassionate. We are a team. We are respectful, open, and inclusive.

About Ashgate:

Ashgate Hospice, based in North Derbyshire, offers free palliative and end of life care for adults with life-limiting or incurable illnesses, including cancer, neurological diseases, and advanced heart, kidney, and lung conditions. Last year, we cared for over 2,400 people. Our aim is to support our patients by keeping them informed, managing their symptoms, and improving their quality of life from diagnosis onwards.

We also provide vital support to the people who are important to them, offering practical assistance and emotional support, including bereavement services.

We’re more than a care provider. We’re a campaigner for sustainable end of life care funding in the UK, and we continually invest in our services and workforce.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do:

• We are compassionate.
• We are a team.
• We are respectful, open, and inclusive.

We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

We strive to create a workplace that’s happy, safe, and supportive – and our team seems to agree! In fact, 86% of staff would recommend Ashgate Hospice as an employer.

We know how important wellbeing and work-life balance are, which is why we’re open to flexible work arrangements, including job-sharing.

As part of our team, you’ll have access to training opportunities to help you grow, both personally and professionally. Whether you want to develop in your current role or explore new career paths, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Want to know more about what it’s like to work with us? Visit our website, check out our social media channels, or listen to our podcast, The Life and Death Podcast. It’s a great way to get a sense of the Ashgate team and the difference we make.

Benefits of joining us

At Ashgate, we take care of the people who take care of others. Here are some of the benefits we offer:

• Generous holiday entitlement, with the option to increase it through our Annual Buy and Sell Leave Scheme.
• A flexible working approach to help meet your needs and ours, including options like job-sharing.
• A Cycle to Work scheme and a Tech Benefit scheme to help spread the cost of your next bike or gadget.
• A confidential Employee Assistance Programme, offering free, round-the-clock support when you need it.
• A pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution, helping you save for the future.
• A life assurance scheme, giving peace of mind for you and those important to you, up to age 65.
• A commitment to your personal and professional development, with training opportunities to help you grow.
• Free, on-site parking whenever you're working at the hospice.
• Discounted, onsite café at our Old Brampton site, available to all staff
• A wide range of initiatives to support your wellbeing, and the time out to practice self-care

Ready to make a difference?

To learn more about the role, please contact Heidi Golden at 01246 568 801 or email Heidi.golden@ashgatehospice.org.uk. You can arrange to visit the hospice to see what it would be like to work with us.

Please note: Applications must be submitted via the ‘Apply Now’ button on our website. Applications sent directly to People Services or the recruiting manager will not be accepted.

Additional information:

• If you're successful, you'll need to complete a DBS check as part of our pre-employment process. You can find more details in the candidate assistant notes.
• As a healthcare provider, we prioritise the safety of our patients, staff, and visitors. That's why we encourage and recommend all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive the flu jab—unless there's a compelling reason not too
• If you need any help with the recruitment process, our People Services team is here to assist. You can reach them at peopleservices@ashgatehospice.org.uk or call 01246 568 801.

Additional support for candidates

• We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive, fair, and accessible to everyone.
• Reasonable adjustments: We are pleased to offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process for individuals with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, or long-term health needs.
• Shortlisting commitment: In line with our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, we guarantee to shortlist any disabled candidate who meets the essential criteria for the role.
• Interview preparation: All shortlisted candidates will receive their interview questions in advance to help you feel fully prepared.

Accessibility resources:

• If you need assistance completing your online application, you can contact the Disability Employment Service/Youth Employment Service by emailing ASCH.Disability.EmploymentProject@derbyshire.gov.uk.
• We encourage you to complete and share your Health Adjustment Passport. This helps us understand any adjustments or support you might need. Even if you choose not to share it, the passport can be a valuable tool for your own benefit.
• You can also access support through the Access to Work scheme. a government initiative designed to help you start or remain in work if you have a health condition or disability. This includes support for the recruitment process. Learn more on the Access to Work webpage

For further guidance or information, these resources may also be helpful:

• Looking for work if you are disabled
• Reed in Partnership, Chesterfield Office: Call 0124 695 6275
• Disability Employment Service, Derbyshire County Council

If you have any questions about adjustments or the recruitment process, please contact our People Services team at peopleservices@ashgatehospice.org.uk or call 01246 568 801.