HAYS AND THE TIMES

PA OF THE YEAR AWARD

The role of a PA is more demanding than ever. With many PAs being involved in numerous projects and tasks outside historical PA duties, we understand how a top PA can impact on organisational success. We are looking for a PA that shows passion and enthusiasm for their role whilst demonstrating how their proactive approach has had a positive impact on their boss and the organisation.

How to enter

You can be entered into the competition by your manager, a colleague or yourself by completing this form. You will also be required to send your CV of no more than two pages, including an explanation of your current role, to pa.secretarial@hays.com.

The prize

Not only will the winner of this award be recognised as one of the best PAs in the UK, but they will also receive a five-night stay for two in Prague, courtesy of Portman Travel, a place on the PA retreat (bespoke PA training course) courtesy of Castalia Coaching & Training, and each finalist will receive free APA membership for their first year. Previous winners of this prestigious award have gone on to speak about their profession at conferences and events, both within the UK and internationally.

Judging

The 2011 judging panel comprises:

Susie Barron-Stubley - Managing Director of Castalia Coaching & Training
Gareth Osborne – Director General of the APA
Laura Richardson – PA of the Year 2010 Winner
Geoff Sims – Managing Director of Hays PA & Secretarial

In addition, one of the UK’s leading businesswomen, Michelle Mone OBE, will be announcing this year’s winner at the awards ceremony.

Entries close on 13th March and after the judges have reviewed and shortlisted all the applications there will be a telephone interview stage (5th April) and a face-to-face interview process (19th April), with the awards ceremony taking place on 19th May in Central London.

2010 Winner, Laura Richardson FAPA DipPA, Executive Assistant to Chief Executive, Elexon Limited

Laura joined her current employers, Elexon, in 2008 as PA to the CFO; after just three months she was promoted to PA to the chairman, chief executive and chief financial officer.

It was Laura’s dedication and enthusiasm for her role that stood out to the judges and saw her named as the PA of the Year 2010.

Commenting on her award win, Laura said, “To be named PA of the Year feels amazing. To get the recognition for my hard work is most definitely my career highlight to date. Since winning I have had lots of invitations to speak at PA events. I’m always keen to talk to PAs that share my passion for the profession.”

Laura’s boss, Peter Haigh, Chief Executive at Elexon said of the award, “The Hays and The Times PA of the Year Award is a fabulous award, with many valuable benefits. Firstly, it gives great recognition for the excellent job that Laura does. Secondly, it really helps promote the PA profession and the relevance and importance of PAs in the workplace. Lastly, and very importantly, I think the award is a helpful reminder to me of what a fantastic ambassador Laura is for Elexon.”

Read our interview with Laura Richardson.

Terms & Conditions

No entries made after midnight on Sunday 13th March will be accepted. Entrants must be 18 or over and have worked in their current role for at least three months. They can be a permanent, contract or temporary employee. Those who are shortlisted must provide contact details for either their boss or a representative from the company they work for as a reference. The holiday will be 4* and valid from June 2011 to May 2012 excluding major holidays. All contact with the media (including local newspapers and radio) must be handled by the Hays PR team. If you have further questions, please contact daniel.evans@hays.com or call 020 7630 4281.