Admin, Secretarial & PA- Level 5

Yes, in most UK workplaces, a Personal Assistant (PA) is considered a higher role than a secretary. A secretary usually handles routine administrative duties such as filing, scheduling, and correspondence. In contrast, a PA often works closely with senior executives, managing diaries, preparing reports, and making decisions on behalf of management. Because of this, PAs are seen as providing more strategic support compared to secretaries.

A Level 7 Diploma in Admin Secretarial and PA is an advanced postgraduate qualification in the UK. It is designed for learners who want to develop leadership-level administrative, management, and executive support skills. This course goes beyond Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications, offering deeper training in corporate governance, advanced business communication, and organisational management. Completion can lead to higher managerial roles or progression to a master’s degree.

The main difference lies in scope and responsibility. A secretary mainly manages clerical tasks such as answering calls, typing documents, and organising files. On the other hand, a PA supports senior staff directly, often acting as the first point of contact for executives, arranging travel, preparing board papers, and managing confidential matters. In the UK, PAs are seen as more senior than secretaries and usually earn a higher salary.

An administrative secretarial role involves supporting office operations by combining both secretarial and administrative functions. This may include handling correspondence, scheduling meetings, preparing reports, managing data, and maintaining office procedures. In the UK, this role is vital to ensure smooth day-to-day running of a company, bridging the gap between clerical tasks and managerial support.

In the UK, administrative roles are often broader and may be seen as higher than a secretary position. While secretaries typically focus on clerical and office support, admin roles can involve supervising processes, managing data systems, and coordinating departments. However, when comparing secretaries to PAs or office managers, the PA or administrative manager position is usually higher in terms of responsibility and pay.

The average salary for a secretary in the UK typically ranges from £22,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Secretaries in London and large organisations may earn towards the higher end of this range. For comparison, Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants usually command higher salaries, reflecting their greater responsibilities.