Welcome to the FAQ page for Sarah Swinburn’s virtual assistant services. Here you’ll find answers to common questions about my services, including administrative support, inbox and diary management, business support, and how I help busy professionals and small business owners save time and stay organised. Whether you’re considering outsourcing for the first time or looking for flexible, reliable virtual assistant support, this page covers everything you need to know about working with me, Sarah Swinburn Virtual Assistant.
General Questions
1. What is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?
A Virtual Assistant is a professional who provides administrative, creative, or technical support to businesses and individuals remotely. VAs help streamline your workload, allowing you to focus on more critical aspects of your business or personal tasks.
2. How do I know if I need a Virtual Assistant?
If you find yourself overwhelmed with tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments, proofreading, or bookkeeping, a Virtual Assistant can help reduce your workload. This allows you to focus on growing your business or dedicating time to other priorities.
3. What types of services do you offer?
I specialise in the following areas:
- Remote work assistance
- Email management
- Diary and schedule management
- Proofreading and editing
- Typing and transcription
- Bookkeeping assistance
- Website Maintenance
4. What are the benefits of working with a Virtual Assistant?
VAs work on a contract or ad-hoc basis, so small business owners and individuals only pay for the hours worked or specific tasks completed. This means you avoid costs like National Insurance, holiday and sick pay, pension contributions, or office space which makes it a great option for small businesses on a budget. VAs can be hired for a few hours a week, for a specific project, or on an ongoing basis, adapting to the business owner’s needs. A VA is an ideal solution for small business owners who want professional support without the long-term commitment of hiring full-time staff.
Services and Pricing
5. How do you charge for your services?
My services are flexible and can be tailored to your needs. I offer hourly rates, ad-hoc or retainer monthly packages. Please contact me for a customised quote or visit my Rates page for further details https://www.sarahswinburnva.co.uk/rates
6. Are there any long-term contracts?
I believe in flexibility. You can hire me on an as-needed basis, or you can choose a retainer package for ongoing support. Please note there is a minimum of 1 hour per month.
7. Can I customise the services to suit my specific needs?
I understand that every client has unique requirements, so I tailor my services as much as possible to meet your specific needs. To discuss your requirements, please contact me via my Contact page, send an email or send me a message on my LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-swinburn-va
Working With Me
8. How do I communicate?
I primarily communicate via email, Teams or Google Meet. I also use the messaging platform WhatsApp.
9. What are your working hours?
My standard working hours are Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, excluding Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter holidays. I am flexible and will endeavour to accommodate urgent requests.
10. How do you handle confidentiality?
I take confidentiality very seriously. All your data and information are handled with utmost care. I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office). If you need further information on how your data is held please visit https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/ for details.
11. How do I get started?
Getting started is easy! Simply go to my Contact page, LinkedIn profile or email and send me a message, and I’ll schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs and how I can help you.
Other Questions
12. What tools and software do you use?
I am proficient in a variety of tools including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, WordPress, FreeAgent, and more. If you have specific software requirements, let me know, and I’ll work to accommodate them.
13. What is your turnaround time for tasks?
Turnaround times depend on the complexity of the task, but I strive to complete assignments promptly and keep you updated throughout the process. We can discuss time-frames on our Discovery Call.
14. Can you work with international clients?
I only work with clients who are based within the United Kingdom.
15. What happens if I’m not satisfied with your service?
Client satisfaction is my top priority. If you’re not happy with my service, please let me know, and I’ll work to address your concerns promptly.
If you have additional questions, feel free to contact me. I’m here to help!
