Professional with strong background in executive support, adept at managing complex schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling confidential information. Highly skilled in communication, organization, and problem-solving, ensuring seamless office operations. Focused on team collaboration and achieving results, adapting flexibly to changing needs and priorities. Dependable and resourceful, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
SENIOR PROGRAMME ASSISTANT to Director
Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance
Geneva
05.2013 - Current
Deliver strategic executive support that enhances the Director's efficiency, enabling smooth operations and improved decision-making across the MEL function.
Manage and prioritise high volumes of communications (up to 100 per day), ensuring urgent matters are actioned promptly and deadlines are consistently met.
Anticipate executive needs and proactively coordinate comprehensive briefing materials and talking points, contributing to high-impact stakeholder engagements.
Coordinate complex, dynamic calendars with precision, maximising time effectiveness and aligning scheduling with organisational priorities.
Streamline consultant management processes by drafting contracts, handling procurement (PRs/POs), onboarding, and ensuring timely invoice payments — reducing delays and improving operational flow.
Oversee international travel, visa arrangements, and expense management, ensuring compliance, cost-efficiency, and smooth logistics for the Director and MEL team.
Facilitate collaborative planning across departments via the Business Coordination Team (BCT), directly contributing to more aligned and efficient execution of strategic initiatives.
Refine governance documents (EAC), reports, and Board-level presentations, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and professional standards.
Handle sensitive correspondence with discretion and autonomy, trusted to produce high-quality written outputs with minimal oversight.
Cultivate and sustain productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, enhancing collaboration, trust, and organisational visibility.
Champion team wellbeing by organising MEL retreats, workshops, and socials; act as a trusted Mental Health First Aider to foster a positive and resilient team culture.
Play a key role in Gavi's Leadership Assistants Network (LAN), developing initiatives such as the Assistants Survey and Surge Capacity Project to enhance efficiency, surface operational insights, and strengthen collaboration across executive support teams.
Key achievements: Initiated the Gavi All Assistants Survey and Surge Capacity Project; supported the MEL team through three restructures and a major office relocation; maintained focus and positivity during ongoing organisational changes.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
JCA Coaching LLP
London
01.2010 - 05.2012
Successfully sourced and negotiated venues for high-profile hospitality events, enhancing client experience while managing budgets effectively.
Streamlined daily administration for the Senior Executive's office, ensuring seamless operations and timely support for strategic initiatives.
Expertly coordinated complex international travel and diary management, maximising executive productivity across multiple time zones.
Maintained strict confidentiality while managing sensitive client communications, fostering trust and professionalism.
Improved financial accuracy through diligent oversight of expense accounting, client invoicing, and recovery processes.
Enhanced executive communication by proofreading and editing key documents and effectively liaising with Board members and shareholders.
Key achievement: organised a series of highly confidential 360 feedback sessions for a well established family run business with extreme sensitivity
Reason for leaving: Relocated to Geneva with partner.
PROJECT SUPPORT MANAGER
Imparta Ltd
London
05.2007 - 10.2009
Delivered critical project support to successfully set up and execute over 200 workshops annually, driving operational excellence and participant engagement.
Reported directly to the Marketing Director, managing comprehensive project activities for the O2 UK Marketing Academy, a leader in innovative training solutions.
Cultivated strong client and stakeholder relationships, ensuring seamless communication and alignment throughout workshop delivery.
Produced monthly progress presentations tracking budget adherence, customer satisfaction, and feedback to support continuous improvement.
Developed and edited internal marketing newsletters, enhancing team communication and engagement.
Oversaw end-to-end enrolment processes, including pre- and post-work coordination to optimise participant readiness and outcomes.
Collaborated closely with operations and production teams to ensure all workshop materials adhered to branding standards.
Key achievement:
Reason for leaving: Transitioned to part-time role due to home renovation commitments.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT to CEO
Radioscape Ltd
London
01.2006 - 04.2007
Coordinated high-level board meetings and new business pitches, managing site selection, catering, and preparing compelling PowerPoint presentations to support successful outcomes.
Delivered comprehensive Executive Assistant support to the CEO and Management Team of a globally recognised Digital Radio company, enhancing leadership productivity.
Ensured seamless operations of the CEO and Management Office by efficiently screening calls, managing complex diaries, and arranging international travel.
Key achievements: was an integral part of the project team in the.transition of the organisation to became a Public Limited Company (PLC),
Reason for leaving: Returned to former employer, Imparta.
LOGISTICS & EVENTS MANAGER
Imparta Ltd
London
03.2004 - 11.2005
Reported directly to the COO, ensuring seamless logistical delivery of 40+ international workshops per month within strict deadlines.
Managed high-level client and instructor communications, consistently exceeding service expectations and maintaining strong relationships.
Led recruitment efforts for the logistics team, including candidate interviews and coordination with external recruitment agencies.
Trained and supervised a team of 3, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
Key achievement: Enhanced operational efficiency by implementing a crisis management plan and introducing a robust logistics evaluation and reporting system.
Reason for leaving: Family bereavement (now fully resolved and available for full-time commitment).
Personal Assistant to CEO Europe/Junior Product Manager
EMI Music
London
08.1992 - 09.2003
Progressed from Personal Assistant to the CEO of Europe to Junior Product Manager, managing a portfolio of music bands within this renowned music organisation and liaising with over 40 European countries
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology (with Honors)
The Open University
London, England
07.1998
Skills
Executive Support
Responsive
Professionalism & Discretion
SAP
IT Proficiency & Microsoft Office Suite
Proactive Planning & Prioritization
Contract Management & Vendor Coordination
Operational Management
Logistics Management
Executive Support
Interests
Passionate about cooking, garden design and running
Key Competencies And Skills
Extensive Executive Support Experience
Logistics & Operational Management
Contract and Vendor Coordination
Proactive Planning & Prioritization
Advanced IT Proficiency
Professionalism & Discretion
Responsive & Agile
Strong Communicator & Influencer
Resourceful & Solutions-Oriented
Identity
Isobel Sclater, British, Carte de Legitimation
Timeline
SENIOR PROGRAMME ASSISTANT to Director
Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance
05.2013 - Current
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
JCA Coaching LLP
01.2010 - 05.2012
PROJECT SUPPORT MANAGER
Imparta Ltd
05.2007 - 10.2009
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT to CEO
Radioscape Ltd
01.2006 - 04.2007
LOGISTICS & EVENTS MANAGER
Imparta Ltd
03.2004 - 11.2005
Personal Assistant to CEO Europe/Junior Product Manager
Senior Manager, Portfolio Financial Management at Gavi, The Vaccine AllianceSenior Manager, Portfolio Financial Management at Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance