Part of the occupations cluster in the employment knowledge graph — connected to occupations, documents, hiring guides, career guides, country guides and employment law.
What a secretary does
A secretary handles the administrative and coordination work that keeps a person, team or department organised. Duties typically include managing correspondence, arranging meetings, maintaining records and preparing documents.
The role relies on discretion, reliability and strong organisation, often acting as a trusted point of contact and a steadying presence behind the scenes. Specific duties vary widely between sectors and settings.
Core responsibilities
- Managing correspondence, calls and emails.
- Arranging meetings and maintaining diaries.
- Preparing, formatting and filing documents.
- Taking minutes and following up actions.
- Maintaining records and organised filing systems.
- Coordinating travel, appointments and logistics.
Skills and qualities
- Excellent organisation and time management.
- Clear written and spoken communication.
- Accuracy and strong attention to detail.
- Discretion when handling confidential matters.
- Confident use of office software.
- A calm, dependable and proactive manner.
Typical employers and settings
- Legal, medical and professional-services firms.
- Corporate offices and head-office functions.
- Education, healthcare and public-sector bodies.
- Small businesses and partnerships.
- Specialist roles such as legal or medical secretary.
How the role is recruited
- Roles are filled directly or through recruitment agencies.
- A CV and covering letter are usually requested.
- Screening checks software skills, accuracy and relevant sector experience.
- Interviews may include a typing, minute-taking or document task.
- Onboarding covers systems, procedures and the people supported.
Documents involved
- A job description setting out duties and any sector specialism.
- An employment contract setting out terms.
- An offer letter confirming role, hours and start date.
- Right-to-work and identity checks as required.
- Confidentiality terms where sensitive matters are handled.
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