Apprentice Research & Innovation Business Administration Assistant

NHS; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Leicester is seeking an Apprentice Research & Innovation Business Administration Assistant. In this role, you'll support administrative tasks within the Research & Innovation Department while pursuing a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship over an 18-month period. This full-time position emphasizes on-the-job training and develops essential skills for a future career. You'll engage with diverse tasks from maintaining databases to assisting with meeting organization, all while earning a competitive apprenticeship salary.

Qualifications

• GCSE level grade F – A* in Maths and English.
• Evidence of good written and communication skills.
• Understanding of Confidentiality and Data Protection Act.

Responsibilities

• Provide clerical support to the R&I Team.
• Maintain databases of research activities.
• Support day-to-day administrative and data entry requirements.

Skills

Good written communication skills

Ability to follow instructions

Self-motivation

Effective verbal communication

Teamwork

Education

GCSE in English and Maths

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database skills

Job description

Apprentice Research & Innovation Business Administration Assistant

The closing date is 12 February 2026.

GET YOUR CAREER STARTED AS AN APPRENTICE AND EARN WHILE YOU LEARN! University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust have opportunities to join one of the largest NHS Trusts serving the residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. This role offers a Business Administration Level 3 Apprenticeship within the Research & Innovation Department on an 18-month contract. Hours are 37.5 per week.

Salary information: £280.90 per week for the first 12 months; national minimum wage thereafter depending on age.

Within this apprenticeship you will:

• Provide support to the R&I Administrative Team in maintaining a database of all research activity across the Trust.
• Undertake a development programme leading to an Apprenticeship Standard as part of an employed apprenticeship within the agreed timescale of 18 months.
• Actively participate in a development plan which will be regularly reviewed with the line manager and training provider and progress to achieving the end point assessment.

To qualify for the apprenticeship role the minimum criteria are:

• A GCSE in English and Maths
• Have not completed an apprenticeship at the same level and sector in the past
• You do not have a Degree in a similar or same subject

Main duties of the job

• Work in a supported learning environment to undertake a development programme leading to a National Standard as part of an Apprenticeship (Business Administration Level 3).
• Develop the skills and knowledge required to complete the programme end point assessment and secure employment.
• Provide clerical support to the R&I Team and promote good working relationships.
• Under supervision, gain a working knowledge of all administrative aspects of the Research and Innovation department.
• Support day-to-day administrative and data entry requirements; maintain electronic diaries and manage appointments.
• Assist with diary management for the R&I Team, manage mailboxes, prepare meeting documentation, and assist with study archiving requests.
• Provide a welcoming front-of-house presence on reception, greet visitors, direct enquiries, assist with meeting setup and refreshments where required.
• Assist with organisation of internal and external meetings, book venues and communicate with delegates; support the running of meetings when organised.
• Assist with letters, minutes, reports and presentation work; maintain good keyboard skills and use Microsoft Office programs.
• Maintain databases of research activities (Edge, Florence) and support external agencies professionally.
• Undertake mandatory training and development sessions as required; uphold the image and professionalism of the department.
• Manage annual/special leave requests and sickness/absence reporting; handle mail within prescribed timescales.
• Assist with the organisation of meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops; prepare delegate packs and notes as needed.
• Produce data and information for research and audit purposes; support the team in meeting administrative needs.
• Develop high-quality administration and data management standards, especially under pressure; ensure confidentiality in handling documents and information.
• Support the R&I Team with research governance paperwork, photocopying, data entry and archiving processes.
• Engage with apprenticeship and management teams to discuss issues and progress regularly.

The description and person specification provide an outline of duties; the role holder will perform any other reasonable duties as required by their line manager.

Person Specification

Training & Qualifications

• Maths and English GCSE level grade F – A* or GCSE grade 1 – 9 or Functional Skills at level 1 or above

Experience

• Evidence of good written and communication skills
• Able and willing to follow instructions and learn new tasks
• Willing to learn and take responsibility for ongoing development
• Commitment to completing the apprenticeship end point assessment (EPA)
• Understanding of Confidentiality and Data Protection Act

Communication & Relationship skills

• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to work as part of a team

Knowledge and Skills

• Self-motivation
• Willingness to learn and apply learning in the workplace
• Able to act on own initiative as well as follow instructions

Planning and Organisational Skills

• Be flexible to cover service demands
• Plan, organise and prioritise; work under pressure

Equality and Diversity

• Commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect
• Awareness of Equality & Valuing Diversity principles

Other Requirements

• Keyboard skills (Office Suite and databases)

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• Demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a disclosure check.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Address

£14,722 a year; £7.55 - £12.21 hourly / >£270 per week up to National Minimum Wage

Contract

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time; Home or remote working

Reference number

358-7671781–COR

Job locations