Executive Assistant, UKRIO

About This Role Sitting at the heart of the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO), a small but ambitious charity, this newly created role will work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees, providing a blend of strategic coordination and hands-on administrative support to help ensure the charity runs smoothly, delivers its objectives, and continues to grow its impact.

The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) is the UK’s national advisory body for research integrity. Established in 2006, UKRIO delivers a wide-ranging programme of guidance and support to enhance good research practice and research culture.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will play a key part in supporting the charity through an exciting period of development and growth, acting as a trusted organisational enabler who connects people, information, and priorities together, removes barriers to progress, and provides the operational support needed to help the Senior Leadership Team, Board of Trustees, and wider team deliver UKRIO’s strategic ambitions.

With this in mind, we are looking for someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in making things run smoothly, and thrives in a busy environment where no two days are the same. The successful candidate will be a highly organised self-starter with strong initiative, excellent judgement, and the ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and keep multiple priorities moving forward simultaneously.

While relevant experience in executive support, governance, operations, or project coordination would be advantageous, we are equally keen to hear from individuals with strong organisational skills, a proactive mindset, and the enthusiasm to learn and develop. Applications are welcomed from both experienced professionals and exceptional graduates seeking an opportunity to build a broad and rewarding career.

As UKRIO continues to evolve, this role offers an excellent opportunity to develop and grow. We are committed to supporting the successful candidate to build their skills and to progress within the organisation, in time potentially stepping up into a more senior role with increased responsibility across governance, operations, and project delivery.

Key responsibilities

Executive support

Serve as a central coordinator for the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, ensuring they have the information and support needed to drive organisational performance and deliver strategic objectives.

• Act as a trusted point of contact between the CEO and internal and external stakeholders, drafting correspondence and responses on the CEO’s behalf where appropriate, and ensuring effective communication and timely follow-up.
• Coordinate leadership and senior management meetings, preparing agendas, briefing papers, reports, and presentations, and ensuring decisions, actions, and key messages are clearly recorded, communicated, and progressed across the organisation.
• Prepare briefings, reports, and management information for the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to support effective decision-making and coordinate necessary review and approval, handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Provide administrative and coordination support to the CEO and Directors, adapting priorities as required to support organisational objectives and emerging needs.

Governance and Board support

Work closely with the CEO and Chair to support the effective operation of UKRIO’s Board, ensuring Trustees are well-informed, governance processes are well managed, and decisions and actions are tracked and progressed to promote strong governance and organisational accountability.

• Support trustee recruitment, induction, development, appraisal, and engagement, helping Trustees contribute effectively and fulfil their governance responsibilities.
• Coordinate the effective operation of the Board and its committees, including meeting planning, preparation and distribution of papers, minute-taking, action tracking, and follow-up on agreed decisions.
• Manage governance, compliance, and statutory processes, including annual reporting, governance records, organisational policy reviews, and Board action plans, ensuring obligations are met and the CEO and Trustees are kept informed of key issues, deadlines, and risks.

Organisational coordination and project support

Act as a key connector across the organisation, c…