Programme Overview
Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants are no longer just organisers of diaries and meetings. Today's executive support professionals are trusted partners who help leaders navigate complexity, governance, risk, change and stakeholder expectations.
The Certificate in Executive Support is a practical, bite-sized development programme designed to build the confidence, commercial awareness and professional influence needed to thrive in modern executive environments.
What You'll Learn
This programme is to equip delegates with the knowledge, skills and confidence to operate as proactive strategic partners to senior leaders.
Through a series of focused two-hour sessions, delegates will gain practical tools, governance awareness and professional capabilities that enable them to anticipate needs, add value and increase their impact.
Programme Cost
- Non-Member: £480 + VAT
- Professional Subscriber: £420 + VAT
- Member: £375 + VAT
Location: Live On-Line
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Who is it for?
Executive Assistants (EAs)
Personal Assistants (PAs)
Executive Support Professionals
Senior Administrators supporting executives and directors
Team Assistants aspiring to progress into executive support roles
Business Support professionals working with senior leadership tea
Proficiency Level
Intermediate
Suitable for professionals who already provide administrative or executive support and are looking to strengthen their business understanding, professional influence and strategic contribution.
Programme Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, delegates will be able to:
- Explain the governance, leadership and decision-making environment directors operate within.
- Understand board cycles, governance processes and the importance of high-quality board information for effective decision-making.
- Apply techniques to build trusted partnerships with executives and manage upwards effectively.
- Demonstrate professional influence, resilient working practices and proactive communication.
- Operate effectively in virtual, hybrid and global working environments.
- Manage workstreams and small projects with greater confidence.
- Strengthen stakeholder relationships and navigate executive expectations successfully.
- Contribute more strategically to organisational success through effective executive support.
The Director’s Role: Introduction for the EA and PA
Overview:
Ever wondered what keeps directors awake at night? Gain insight into the pressures, responsibilities and decision-making challenges facing senior leaders and learn how exceptional Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants anticipate needs before they arise.
This course is to help EAs and PAs understand the world directors operate in, enabling them to provide more proactive, commercially aware and impactful support.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:
- Differentiate between various director roles, responsibilities and liabilities.
- Explain the key legal and fiduciary duties of company directors.
- Describe how directors evaluate information and make informed decisions.
- Identify opportunities to positively influence executive effectiveness.
- Recognise the risks, pressures and scrutiny experienced by directors.
- Adapt their support approach to better anticipate executive needs.
Duration: 09:30 - 11:30
The EAs and PAs Guide to the Board Cycle
Overview:
Board meetings may only happen periodically, but the work behind them never stops. Discover how boards operate, what makes information board-ready and how Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants play a critical role in maintaining effective governance.
This course is to build confidence in board governance, meeting cycles, documentation and organisational governance practices.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and structure of the annual board cycle.
- Describe the role of board and committee meetings.
- Identify the characteristics of effective board papers.
- Understand the EAs or PA's role in supporting governance processes.
- Recognise common issues that prevent papers from being meeting ready.
- Improve the quality, consistency and preparedness of board documentation.
Duration: 09:30 - 11:30
The Effective EA and PA
Overview:
The most effective EAs and PAs don't simply react to requests; they create capacity, solve problems and build trust. Explore the skills and behaviours that distinguish outstanding executive support professionals.
This course is to reposition the EA or PA role as a strategic, proactive and influential business partner.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:
- Identify the key competencies of high-performing EAs and PAs.
- Apply techniques to effectively manage upwards.
- Communicate with confidence and influence across stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrate resilience and professionalism under pressure.
- Shift from reactive to proactive working practices.
- Create trusted "no surprises" working relationships with executives.
- Increase their strategic contribution and professional impact.
Duration: 9:30 - 11:30
The Virtual Assistant
Overview:
Supporting executives virtually requires more than technology. Learn how to stay connected, productive and influential while managing relationships, priorities and communication across digital and hybrid environments.
This course is to enable EAs and PAs to excel in remote, hybrid and global working environments.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Recognise the challenges and opportunities of virtual executive support.
- Utilise digital tools and systems more effectively.
- Apply best practice virtual communication techniques.
- Establish healthy boundaries that support wellbeing and performance.
- Manage asynchronous workflows efficiently.
- Coordinate work effectively across multiple time zones.
- Maintain strong executive relationships in hybrid environments.
Duration: 9:30 - 11:30
Project Management Essentials for EAs and PAs
Overview
More Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants are being asked to lead initiatives, coordinate change and drive delivery. Gain practical project management skills that will help you confidently manage workstreams, engage stakeholders and deliver results.
This course is to equip EAs and PAs with practical project management tools and techniques for managing small to medium-sized initiatives.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, delegates will be able to:
- Explain the core principles of project management.
- Identify and apply the key stages of a project lifecycle.
- Use practical project management tools to plan and track activity.
- Strengthen accountability and delivery disciplines.
- Manage stakeholders effectively throughout a workstream or project.
- Identify project risks and escalate issues appropriately.
- Support successful project delivery while maintaining executive priorities.
Duration: 9:30 - 11:30
You will also receive:
- A delegate pack containing comprehensive course slides and presentation
- An Attendance Certificate and Digital Badge
- 2 hours credit towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) per module
Recommendation:
For the best learning experience, complete these courses in sequence. This Support series is designed to build your confidence, strengthen your understanding of governance, and equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support your organisation.
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