Business Support Assistant

Surrey County Council; Dorking; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Dorking seeks a Business Support Assistant to enhance service delivery within Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships. The ideal candidate will manage enquiries, maintain databases, prepare correspondence, and coordinate meetings. Candidates must possess strong communication skills and IT competence, particularly in Microsoft Office. This permanent position offers a starting salary of £27,634 annually with excellent benefits, including hybrid working and generous leave. Join us in shaping future support for our community.

Benefits

26 days' holiday, increasing with service

Local government pension

Carer's leave and volunteering days

Employee Assistance Programme

Learning and development resources

Wellbeing discounts

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a busy office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office and databases.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to confidentiality.
• Willingness to travel across service sites as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for internal and external enquiries.
• Maintain and update systems and databases.
• Prepare and send correspondence and reports.
• Coordinate meetings and manage diaries.
• Support resource management and ordering procedures.
• Work collaboratively across teams to adapt to changing priorities.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement.

Skills

Office environment management

Written and verbal communication

IT tools and systems

Organizational skills

Confidentiality and data protection

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

This is an exciting new opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking Area Hub, designed to deliver integrated and responsive support to adults across Surrey. As a Business Support Assistant, you will be at the heart of this new way of working, helping to shape and support the delivery of vital services within Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships. Your day-to-day responsibilities will be varied and dynamic, offering a mix of routine and ad hoc tasks that contribute directly to the smooth running of the hub. You will:

• Be the first point of contact for internal and external enquiries, both on the telephone and in the office, providing a professional and empathetic response and ensuring queries are directed appropriately
• Maintain and update systems and databases, ensuring accurate records are kept supporting service delivery and reporting
• Prepare and send out correspondence, reports, and documentation to support operational and management teams
• Coordinate meetings and appointments, including diary management, room bookings, and preparation of materials
• Support resource management, following ordering procedures to ensure the hub has the supplies and tools needed to operate effectively
• Work collaboratively across teams, adapting to changing priorities and supporting colleagues in a flexible and agile way
• Contribute to service improvement, identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the quality of administrative support.

This role offers a unique chance to be part of a newly formed team, where your input and adaptability will help shape the future of mental health support in Surrey. You'll be working in a fast-paced environment that values teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to making a difference.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to work in a busy office environment, managing competing priorities effectively
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues and customers
• Competence in using a range of IT tools and systems, including databases and Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to maintain accurate records and handle enquiries, with an understanding of confidentiality and data protection principles
• Willingness and ability to travel across service sites as required.

Interview Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to manage competing priorities in a busy environment. How did you ensure tasks were completed effectively and on time?
2. How do you ensure confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information or enquiries?
3. This role involves handling a high volume of incoming calls and providing excellent customer service. Can you describe your previous experience in managing phone calls, including the types of calls you handled and any tools or systems you used?

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council Our Commitment

This permanent role has a starting salary of £27,634 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. We have a great opportunity to join our East 2 (Mid) Area team as a Business Support Assistant. We have two positions available - one based in Dorking and one in Weybridge. Please advise in your application which office you would prefer as your base but travel may be required across the area (Epsom, Dorking and Elmbridge). We support hybrid working with the right balance and come together in person for 2-3 days per week on average and support working from home the rest of the time.

Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.