The Executive Assistants to the NHS Sussex Chair and Chief Executive Officer, are responsible for providing high-quality support, working closely together to ensure operational synergy and providing cross-cover so that one assistant is always available to the Chair / CEO, during the working week. The jobholders act as the key point of contact for the Chairs / Chief Executive office and as such, proactively manage all incoming telephone calls, emails, and enquiries, ensuring these are answered and dealt with appropriately and in a timely and confidential manner before taking any necessary follow up action. Many of these calls are complex and sensitive and require highly developed listening skills with the ability to provide the caller with an appropriate response, often to contentious and political issues. Due to the nature of the work the jobholders work with a high level of autonomy and must have the confidence and initiative to take important decisions on their own, ensuring the Chair / CEO are briefed on them. Relationship management is a key aspect of the role and the EAs must develop a strong working relationship with both the CEO and Chair to ensure there is a productive method of communication and escalation that works for all, and ensures the functioning of a seamless, and coordinated function which enables the best use of the Chair and CEOs time. The jobholders also act as the main point of contact for the Non-Executive Directors, assisting with queries, IT and equipment issues, and re-directing as necessary as well as assisting other NHS Sussex colleagues and stakeholders with NED diaries / queries. Owing to the nature of the Chair and CEO business, (a lot of which is external), developing and maintaining strong relationships with all stakeholders and outside agencies to foster collaboration and partnership working is critical, particularly when relaying matters on behalf of the Chair and CEO.