RICCOLA BURROWES

• Providing high-level executive and project support to two senior directors within the UK’s flagship government research body, contributing to the coordination of national programmes valued at over £200M+.
• This dual-support role spans diary management, HR coordination, and complex secretariat support for strategic, multi-million-pound programmes, including national biomedical studies and research infrastructure projects.
• Effectively manage busy and often-conflicting schedules of Director of Challenge-Led Themes and Deputy Director of Research Talent, Skills & Careers, ensuring seamless coordination across high-stakes internal and external engagements.
• Provide full secretariat and governance support for over 4 major initiatives including AHS Project Board (Adolescent Health Study) and UK Biobank Steering Projects, contributing to strategic delivery of UKRI’s national research priorities.
• Serve as key liaison across internal departments and with over 20+ external stakeholders including universities, health research bodies, and industry partners.
• Support cross-functional teams aligned to data science, infrastructure, talent, and MRC Centres of Research Excellence, helping to drive delivery of UKRI’s long-term life science strategy.

(Contract role to maintain income and sharpen skills while seeking a long-term post)

• • Delivered executive-level support to a 40+ person directorate spanning four divisions and devolved nations, ensuring seamless operations and high-impact coordination at board and senior stakeholder level.
  • Enhanced strategic efficiency by 20% for the Executive Director through expert diary and inbox management, proactive prioritisation, and forward planning across critical deliverables.
  • Owned full lifecycle of meeting coordination—drafted agendas, prepared briefing packs, recorded accurate formal minutes, managed action tracking
  • Oversaw end-to-end UK travel logistics for 3+ trips annually, ensuring 100% on-time arrival; reduced itinerary-related delays by 40% through proactive contingency planning.
  • Captured formal minutes with 100% accuracy and led action tracking across 5+ senior meetings quarterly, enhancing visibility and follow-through. Supported high-level briefing and presentation delivery for executive stakeholders.
  • Supported multiple cross-functional projects, including College Reps and PCPG, contributing to the successful development of strategic public initiatives and enhancing coordination across stakeholder groups through concise, and clear communication and secretarial support
  • Acted as gatekeeper for the Directors credit card, designed a custom JotForm tool that automated 100% of reporting, eliminated manual entry, and enhanced financial accuracy and control.
  • Proofread and formatted board-level documents, optimising workflows and reducing CEO review turnaround by 30%.
  • Supported executive-level hiring processes, including candidate coordination, interview scheduling, confidential documentation, and stakeholder briefings—experience directly transferable to executive search environments.

• Provided comprehensive executive support to three senior executives, (People Director, Medical Director & Chief Allied Health Professional) optimising diary schedules, ensuring seamless coordination of 20+ professional appointments each month, resulting in a 30% increase in overall productivity
• Handled sensitive confidential information for executives, maintaining 100% compliance with NHS protocols; achieving zero confidentiality breaches
• Demonstrated exceptional adaptability in fast-paced environment
• Managed high-level calendar coordination for both personal and business-related appointments, optimising time management, adapting quickly to last-minute changes
• Played key role in supporting interview processes by ensuring smooth and welcoming experience for candidates. This included coordinating logistics, aiding with directions to interview locations, offering refreshments and guiding them to essential facilities like restrooms
• Assisted new starter by setting up their laptop and ensuring starter was familiar with building's layout and key facilities. Facilitated smooth onboarding experience and contributed to their seamless integration into team
• Oversaw high-level meeting coordination, preparing detailed agendas, capturing precise minutes, managing action item follow-through to support strategic decision-making and cross-functional alignment.

• • Provided lifestyle and high-level travel support to a UHNWI CEO, managing 10+ multi-leg international trips annually, including luxury accommodation, private transport, and VIP services—ensuring flawless execution and efficiency.
  • Coordinated complex family schedules across multiple households and time zones, balancing medical, educational, and social commitments while responding to shifting priorities with speed and precision.
  • Adapted seamlessly to last-minute changes, time zone differences, and high-demand situations while maintaining service excellence; reduced operational disruptions by 30% through proactive problem solving and crisis management.
  • Coordinated household staff of 8, overseeing home improvement projects with 100% completion rate within budget
  • Coordinated over 20 high-profile personal events, managing logistics, catering, guest lists, and on-the-day execution while handling a high volume of inbound enquiries via multi-line phone systems with professionalism and poise.
  • Sustained a high level of confidentiality when handling personal and sensitive information, while building trusted relationships through discretion, emotional intelligence, and strong interpersonal skills