Virtual Assistant Role Description & Support

Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Assistants; from why to hire an Virtual Assistant, to how to attract and retain the best Virtual Assistant talent for your business.

Specialist UK Virtual Assistant Recruitment Services

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or HR leader, this guide will walk you through the entire process of hiring a Virtual Assistant while showing how Lily Shippen can support you every step of the way.

At Lily Shippen, we specialise in Virtual Assistant recruitment for businesses and individuals across the UK and internationally. Our clients range from growing start-ups to UHNWIs and established organisations who value the benefits of professional, remote support.

As workforce demands evolve and employment costs increase, many businesses are turning to Virtual Assistants as a flexible and effective alternative to hiring in-house. The 2025 rise in National Insurance contributions has only accelerated this shift, prompting more employers to explore remote, scalable ways of working.

Our dedicated VA recruitment division ensures every client brief is handled with the same care and attention as a permanent or temporary role. We take the time to understand your business and match you with a Virtual Assistant who aligns with your needs, values and working style.

Looking to hire a Virtual Assistant? Speak to our team to find out how we can help.

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a skilled professional who provides remote business, executive or personal support, often on a freelance or contract basis. The role has evolved significantly in recent years, with increasing demand driven by changes in working culture, and a desire for greater flexibility from both businesses and support professionals.

The term Virtual Assistant is broad and encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. VAs may provide administrative, operational, creative or technical support — all delivered remotely. These roles can include:

  • Executive-level support such as diary and inbox management
  • Personal assistance including lifestyle coordination and travel booking
  • Project administration, bookkeeping, research, and more
  • Specialist support like social media scheduling or CRM management

While most VAs work remotely, some may also offer onsite support on an ad hoc or regular basis, depending on client requirements. The flexibility of the role is a key benefit, with support available from just a few hours per week up to full-time arrangements. Engagements can be fixed-term, temporary or long-term ongoing.

Most Virtual Assistants are self-employed professionals running their own support businesses. Some work exclusively with one client, while others support multiple clients across different industries. Many Virtual Assistants are former Executive Assistants or Personal Assistants who have transitioned into remote work bringing with them strong business acumen and discretion developed in high-performing, in-house roles.

At Lily Shippen, we take the complexity out of the search by matching you with VAs who are experienced, trusted and aligned to your business needs. We support clients looking for help with everything from project coordination and inbox management to market research, event support and administrative streamlining.

Want to know if a Virtual Assistant is the right solution for you? Speak to a consultant today and we’ll help you define your needs.

Why hire a Virtual Assistant?

Hiring a Virtual Assistant can be a transformative decision for both individuals and businesses. As organisations strive to operate more flexibly and efficiently, Virtual Assistants provide an adaptable solution that delivers high-quality support without the fixed costs associated with permanent hires.

The shift towards flexible support

In 2025, employers are increasingly rethinking how they structure their teams.

The recent rise in National Insurance contributions has contributed to a growing desire for leaner operating models. At the same time, there is greater demand for on-demand expertise, agile resourcing, and remote-first working practices.

Virtual Assistants offer all of this and more.

By working with a VA, businesses gain access to professional, experienced support without the overheads of a salaried, in-house employee. This makes Virtual Assistants a highly attractive option for start-ups, entrepreneurs, executives, and large businesses alike.

Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant

  1. Cost-Efficiency Without Compromise
  2. Scalability and Flexibility
  3. Access to Experienced Talent
  4. Focus on Strategic Priorities
  5. No Geographical Limitations
  6. Speed and Ease of Onboarding
  7. Reduced Risk, Greater Control

Whether you need support managing your diary and inbox, coordinating travel and logistics, or helping with personal tasks or projects, a Virtual Assistant can step in to support you effectively and professionally.

What Can a Virtual Assistant Help With?

Virtual Assistants can support with a wide range of business and personal tasks, including:

  • Administration and business support
  • Diary management and scheduling
  • Inbox management
  • Travel planning and itineraries
  • Blogging, social media, CRM and marketing tasks
  • Expense management
  • Meeting minutes and project follow-ups
  • Report and presentation preparation
  • Bookkeeping
  • Market research
  • Lifestyle management and event planning
  • Recruitment and HR admin

At Lily Shippen, we match you with VAs who are experienced, discreet and capable of delivering the specific support you require, whether that’s executive-level assistance, project help or ad hoc personal tasks.

How to Hire a Virtual Assistant

Step 1: Define Your Requirements
Step 2: Choose the Right Hiring Model
Step 3: Decide on Location and Working Style
Step 4: Work With a Specialist Virtual Assistant Recruitment Agency

Looking to hire a Virtual Assistant in the UK? Speak to a consultant today to discuss your requirements.

Hiring a Virtual Assistant with Lily Shippen: What to Expect

Our process is designed to be efficient, personal and results-driven:

  • Initial consultation and detailed brief
  • Minimum weekly commitment of 5 hours
  • Tailored matching based on fit and skills
  • Introduction and onboarding
  • Ongoing support and performance check-ins

Need support quickly? Many of our Virtual Assistants are available to start within days.

UK Virtual Assistant Rates

Typical hourly rate: £28 to £40 + VAT, depending on:

  • Experience and background
  • Task complexity
  • Hours required
  • Working hours or time zone flexibility
  • VAs operate as self-employed professionals, meaning you only pay for the time you use.

Access to Work: Supporting Inclusive Virtual Assistant Recruitment

We work closely with individuals and employers using the Access to Work (ATW) scheme:

  • Provide tailored VA support to those with disabilities or health conditions
  • Assist with administrative tasks, workload management and communication
  • Manage full recruitment process and documentation
  • Ensure VA alignment and long-term fit

Why Choose Lily Shippen for Virtual Assistant Recruitment?

  • Extensive experience recruiting business support professionals
  • Consultative, high-touch approach
  • Curated VA talent pool
  • Fast, effective and discreet service
  • Commitment to quality and long-term success

Explore our other recruitment specialisms, including Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, and Chiefs of Staff.

Virtual Assistant FAQs

To hire an Executive Assistant in the UK, it’s important to clearly define the role’s responsibilities and skill requirements. Working with a specialist Executive Assistant recruitment agency ensures that you find candidates who are a perfect fit for your business. Agencies like Lily Shippen can help streamline the process by sourcing, vetting, and recommending highly qualified candidates, whether you’re hiring for a permanent, temporary, or remote EA role.

Using a specialist Executive Assistant recruitment agency gives you access to a pool of pre-vetted, high-calibre candidates. These agencies understand the specific demands of the EA role and can quickly match you with candidates who possess the right experience, skills, and personality to meet your needs. This can save you time, reduce the risk of a poor hire, and ensure you find the best talent for your company.

The cost of hiring an Executive Assistant can vary depending on factors such as location, responsibilities, and the level of experience required. In London, EA salaries typically range from £50,000 to £80,000 for permanent positions, with contract rates between £22 and £30 per hour. In Manchester, permanent EA salaries generally fall between £35,000 and £50,000, while contract rates range from £18 to £25 per hour. This pattern is consistent across the UK, with similar salary expectations for both permanent and temporary roles.

Our latest Salary and Market Insights Survey offers detailed insights into EA salaries, current trends, and future outlooks for the profession. Key findings from the report include:

  • Industry Insights: Executive Assistants in financial services often support multiple executives, commanding higher salaries compared to other industries. However, EAs who provide 360-degree strategic support to a single executive in an Executive Business Partner role tend to earn even more. This trend suggests growing demand for these strategic roles, especially as the EA profession continues to evolve.
    • Emerging Roles: Many EAs performing the duties of an Executive Business Partner do not yet have the corresponding job title or salary. While there’s increasing focus on this role, especially in London, many companies across the UK have yet to fully embrace it. As demand for more strategic EA positions grows, we expect to see a rise in Executive Business Partner and Chief of Staff roles, offering senior EAs more opportunities for career progression and increased compensation.
    • Retention and Pay Reviews: Regular salary reviews are essential for retaining top talent. According to our survey, 38.7% of EAs had not received a salary increase in the past two years, making a pay rise or improved benefits a key motivator for those considering a job change. In fact, 64.8% of respondents said they would seriously consider leaving their current role for just a 5% salary increase elsewhere.