Jackie, I'm feeling a bit off-colour, so you are going to have to stand in for me tomorrow. I've written down what I do during the day so you have some guidelines.

First, you have to be there bright and early, because some people are already waiting in the lobby at 8.30. James from security should already be there - he gets in at six o'clock in the morning. If you don't see him there, don't go in, but instead call the security company and make sure that everything is alright.

Remember no visitors are allowed to go from the lobby to the stairs or the lifts on their own. So as soon as you are sitting at the desk, you should check the appointments book, and see if any of the visitors have arranged to see someone. If they have, wait for that person to come down, or send his secretary to collect them. Also make sure that they sign the visitors book when they come in, and make a note of when they come out.

Some people will be calling on spec. Ask them to wait and check with the secretary or the person they want to visit if it is convenient. One problem is that you also have to answer the phone until Mrs Iveson gets in at 9 o'clock, so the first part of the morning is always very busy. When people call, look up the number they want in the internal directory, and put them through. If there is no answer, ask them to leave a voice-mail.

When the staff arrive, they should show you or James their staff ID. We don't usually worry if they don't have it, as long as we know who they are, but if someone is new, or has forgotten their ID, then make sure that they have a temporary one.

The post usually comes around at 8.45. Give the mail room a call and they will send someone up to collect it. Remember, you must never leave the desk unattended. If you have to pop out even for a short time, call Wendy from Mrs Jameson's office, and she will come down to cover for you.

I have a great time at reception saying hello to everyone when they come in, and chatting with people. I'm just a bit worried that after you have done it for a day, you won't want to go back to your office!

Have fun
Steph.