Karen Padley
Ruislip,Middlesex
Summary
A skilled professional with expertise in stakeholder relationship building, confidently engaging with children, parents, carers, and multi-agency teams. Demonstrates a strong ability to implement inclusive practices for children and young people with complex needs while maintaining confidentiality and discretion. Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills, advocating proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Proficient in time management, prioritising workloads effectively to meet deadlines across multiple projects. Highly computer literate with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook. Experienced in end-to-end event planning and management with meticulous attention to detail. A reliable team player committed to fostering trust through active listening and judgement-free interactions.
Organised and dependable PA with many years of experience. Successful at managing multiple priorities with positive and fun attitude.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Governance Professional
St Bernadette School
Hillingdon, Middlesex
10.2024 - 09.2025
- Conducted extensive research for Governance Professional role to support decision-making.
- Delivered statutory tasks on time while coordinating multiple diaries.
- Managed day-to-day operations with accuracy and efficiency.
- Established strong trust and reliability with stakeholders through effective communication.
Board Support Lead
WPP Plc
London
01.2024 - 02.2024
- Coordinated extensive Board event and travel planning for high profile executives in this short term role.
- Managing scheduling across multiple time zones to ensure seamless operations.
- Established good working relationships with C-Suite Executive Assistants.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Worked flexible hours.
PA to Deputy Headteacher/DDSL
Sylvia Young Theatre School
London
02.2023 - 10.2023
- Attended Child Protection conferences and local authority meetings within multi-agency framework.
- Created and maintained school’s Safeguarding Register to ensure compliance.
- Supported children facing various barriers to learning through tailored interventions.
- Provided safeguarding information and support to staff and new joiners.
- Organised internal and external meetings with parents, carers, and Children’s Services.
- Assisted Deputy Headteacher/DSL in implementing safeguarding training for all staff.
- Ensured accurate and timely reporting alongside meticulous record keeping.
- Collaborated with Deputy Headteacher/DSL to develop practical solutions for school challenges.
- Participated in team meetings for insightful contributions and idea generation.
Interim PA to Principal/Deputy Safeguarding Lead
St Dominic’s Sixth Form College
Harrow on the Hill
10.2022 - 01.2023
- Coordinated travel arrangements, resulting in smooth business and personal trips.
- Completed ad-hoc personal errands, including gift ordering and restaurant reservations.
- Proofread, formatted and corrected correspondence.
- Planned and managed large scale careers events.
- Streamlined office processes to increase efficiency.
- Drafted correspondence, enhancing the image of the college.
- Reported on (often sensitive) family meetings.
- Supporting students with a range of mental health concerns and recording safeguarding issues on CPOMS.
- Building strong and effective relationships with parents, carers, advocates and Children's Services.
- Continuous liaison with the Senior Leadership Team.
- As DDSL, dealing with Child Protection/Safeguarding matters.
Private PA to UHNWIs
Business and Media Executives
Hampton Court, Richmond upon Thames
03.2001 - 09.2008
- Coordinated business and personal correspondence, including emails and invitations.
- Managed seamless collaboration with household staff and suppliers.
- Researched and procured gifts to meet specific requirements.
- Maintained discretion and diplomacy in all communications.
- Arranged comprehensive business and personal travel itineraries.
- Organised small to medium-scale events for both business and personal needs.
- Established effective communication with children's places of education.
- Adapted to unexpected challenges with enthusiasm.
Education
GCSEs - Various
Douay Martyrs Catholic School
Ickenham 09.1978 - 06.1983
Skills
- All round stakeholder relationship building, confidently engaging with children, parents, carers and multi-agency teams
- Implementing inclusive practices for children and young people with complex needs
- Listening, and building trust without judgement
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, advocating good spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Confidentiality and discretion
- Efficient time management and ability, prioritising workloads effectively, working on multiple projects and meeting deadlines
- Computer literate with an excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook
- Effective and reliable team player
- End to end internal/external event planning and management with strong attention to detail
Volunteer Experience
Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, Volunteer Wish Visitor, 2008-04, 2015-10, Meeting children with life threatening illnesses to encourage them to talk about their special wishes., Providing a detailed report and recommendation to the Wishgranting Team., Assisting on many wishes with the children, which included a tour of the Millennium Falcon with Harrison Ford, meeting the cast of Eastenders in Albert Square, and climbing walls with Spiderman!, Supporting corporate events and helping Make-A-Wish with their involvement around the 2012 Olympics.
Custom
Prior to joining the education sector, I was a Senior Executive Assistant with an established career in the Advertising and Media industry.
Timeline
Governance Professional
St Bernadette School
10.2024 - 09.2025
Board Support Lead
WPP Plc
01.2024 - 02.2024
PA to Deputy Headteacher/DDSL
Sylvia Young Theatre School
02.2023 - 10.2023
Interim PA to Principal/Deputy Safeguarding Lead
St Dominic’s Sixth Form College
10.2022 - 01.2023
Private PA to UHNWIs
Business and Media Executives
03.2001 - 09.2008
GCSEs - Various
Douay Martyrs Catholic School
09.1978 - 06.1983