Business Support Assistant
- Employer
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
- Location
- Southampton, SO16 7NP
- Contract
- Fixed-Term
- Posted
- 12 October 2026
- Closing date
- 19 October 2026
Role overview
Health Innovation Wessex (HIW) is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to join one of England's leading health innovation organisations as a Business Support Assistant at a pivotal moment for the NHS, life sciences sector and the wider health and care system. Job Title: Business Support Assistant Contract: 23 Month Secondment/Fixed Term - Short Term Funding This varied role sits at the heart of Health Innovation Wessex, providing high-quality business, administrative and project support across corporate services and programmes.
You will take ownership of key activities including coordinating meetings and events, managing schedules and reporting, preparing documentation, producing accurate minutes and actions, and executive support. You will support data collection and evaluation, and help improve business processes and standard operating procedures.
You will also create clear, professional and visually engaging documents and reports. Working with colleagues and partners across health, care, research and innovation, you will use initiative, manage competing priorities, keep delivery on track and escalate risks or issues when needed.
You will be proactive, organised and collaborative, with: Excellent Microsoft 365 skills including Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Forms, and confidence learning new technology. Experience creating branded materials using Canva or Adobe Experience organising face-to-face, virtual and hybrid meetings or events Strong administration, including managing demanding workloads, excellent communication and relationship-building skills Sound judgement, accountability and the ability to work independently under pressure.
A flexible, inclusive and team-focused approach aligned with our values The Opportunity As Business Support Assistant, you will provide essential corporate, administrative and project support that enables Health Innovation Wessex teams to deliver effectively. The role offers genuine variety and autonomy, with opportunities to coordinate high-profile meetings and events, contribute to programme delivery, improve ways of working and produce information that supports effective decision-making.
What You'll Be Responsible For You will: Provide day-to-day corporate administration and business support, including diary and schedule management and executive support. Support projects and workstreams through planning, monitoring, documentation, reporting and follow-up Organise meetings, workshops, conferences and events, including logistics, invitations, agendas, papers and technology arrangements Take accurate formal minutes and complex actions, and supporting timely completion of agreed actions Manage reporting schedules and compiling project and corporate returns to defined timescales Develop corporate documentation, business processes and standard operating procedures Create high-quality, visually engaging documents, presentations, reports and marketing assets using Microsoft 365 and other design applications Support evaluation and reporting through data collection, surveys, analysis and information management Monitor plans and timescales, taking appropriate action and escalating emerging risks and issues Build effective relationships with colleagues, NHS partners, universities, suppliers and other stakeholders Work flexibly across the organisation in response to changing priorities and business needs Join Us This is an exceptional opportunity for an organised and motivated business support professional who wants to make a lasting difference to health outcomes, healthcare transformation and economic growth.
Show full NHS role information
If you are passionate about innovation, inspired by the future of the NHS and excited by the opportunity to shape the next chapter of Health Innovation Wessex, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can accelerate innovation, improve lives and create a healthier future for Wessex and beyond .