Role of the Executive PA


The role of the Executive PA has never been more pivotal to the effectiveness of the director and board. The course combines over 100 years of experience developing business leaders across all sectors with a unique understanding of how critical the role of the Executive PA is to ensuring effective leadership and driving tangible business improvements.

For current dates - please see our learning and developemnt page  http://www.pa-assist.com/courses

To book call 020 7766 2601 or e-mail: developing@iod.com

Who should attend?

This groundbreaking two-day programme has been designed exclusively for experienced PAs working for directors, business leaders and other executives at board level.

“I very much enjoyed the course and found it extremely beneficial. Janet was a wonderful course leader and made me feel at ease and relaxed while trying to understand what can be a quite complex subject. I would recommend the course to anyone who wants to know more about how companies are run and what the responsibilities are of the Executive team and Board.”

PA to the CEO and Chairman, Energy Saving Trust

What to expect

Increasingly, the Executive PA is taking on more responsibilities that have a direct impact on the success of the organisation.

In recognition of this, the programme covers four essential areas: corporate governance, finance, strategy and leadership, to broaden your understanding of the role and responsibilities of the board. The course combines over 100 years of experience developing business leaders across all sectors with a unique understanding of how critical the role of the Executive PA is to ensuring effective leadership and driving tangible business improvements.

You will benefit from the expertise of three course leaders during the programme. Janet Ashford, the lead facilitator, has over 15 years experience as an Executive PA to directors in legal and auditing firms. The corporate governance and finance sections of the programme will be delivered by two specialist course leaders, Paul Munden and Jean Pousson. Both of our course leaders have a wealth of experience leading organisations within the private and public sectors, to give you unique insight into the needs of directors and senior management.

Course overview

Working with directors and the board:

  • Understanding corporate governance
  • The features of a company
  • Roles and responsibilities of directors and Executive PAs
  • The purpose and structure of the board

Key ideas and approaches to strategic direction:

  • Defining strategy from the Executive PA's perspective
  • The strategy making process
  • Strategic analysis and models used by your director
  • Formulating the strategy
  • Strategy development and implementation as an Executive PA

Corporate finance:

  • Sources and instruments of corporate finance
  • Demystifying financial terminology and jargon
  • Constructing an Income Statement and Balance Sheet
  • Analysis of your own company’s financial statements

Leading the organisation:

  • Examination of culture and values and how the Executive PA can apply them to strategy, aims and objectives
  • The techniques, tools and resources needed to deliver corporate strategy
  • Organisational design
  • Aiding effective leadership
  • The Executive PA’s role in managing change

Course objectives

Participation on this course will provide you with:

  • Increased knowledge of the key duties, roles and legal responsibilities of your director
  • Improved understanding of vital financial terms and concepts
  • An appreciation of the elements that make up an organisation’s financial strategy
  • Confidence to support your director when handling financial accounts and interpreting reports
  • The ability to discuss strategic issues confidently with directors at board level
  • The knowledge to aid your director and the board in setting corporate objectives and defining mission, vision and values
  • Techniques, tools and resources that will enable you to improve your director’s ability to lead the organisation
  • An opportunity to explore your current working relationships with directors and senior management, and identify ways to manage more effectively
  • An action plan with realistic objectives that will enable you to broaden your Executive PA role

Pre-course work

You are required to complete some pre-course work before attending the event. This will be sent to you two weeks prior to the course and has been specifically designed to enhance and support your learning. The pre-course work covers the central themes of the programme and will take no longer than a few hours to complete.

Course leaders overview 

See individual course leader profiles:

Janet Ashford
Jean Pousson
Paul Munden
David Joel
Deborah Morton-Dare
Janhavi Dadarkar
 

Role of the Executive PA - Testimonials

• “Attending this course has broadened my capability and has empowered me to be a contributory member of my director’s senior team.” Kirsche Hunt, Executive assistant, Pearson
• “Lots to think about and take back to my organisation that will allow me to take my job to the next level”. Hannah Soanes, PA to Director, TMJ Interiors
• “Really valuable information delivered in a clear and concise manner.  Very interactive and enjoyable”. Liz O'Connor, PA To Marketing Director, Smart Energy GB