Business Support Assistant

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; Harlow; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is seeking a Business Support Assistant on a fixed term, 37 hours per week contract to help keep services running across the county. The role is based in Harlow with a blended remote/office arrangement at Goodman House, and may require attendance up to five days per week.

You will handle word processing, data entry, reception support, and information management, while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality across teams.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including maths and English or equivalent.
• Ability to learn and develop skills in the role.
• Experience with MS Office applications and core systems.
• Ability to handle sensitive information in line with GDPR.

Responsibilities

• Word processing, minute taking and data entry.
• Update databases and manage shared inboxes with accuracy.
• Answer calls and provide reception support as required.
• Process petty cash and assist with events and workshops.
• Support multiple teams and adapt to changing priorities.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

GDPR awareness

Education

GCSE maths & English

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Business Support Assistant

Fixed Term, Full Time

£25,959 Per Annum

Location: Harlow

Closing Date: 21/09/2026

This vacancy is available as a fixed term, 37 hours per week contract up until 31/03/2028.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Looking for a role where your contribution counts and your development is encouraged from day one? Joining Essex County Council as a Business Support Assistant gives you the chance to build valuable skills, work with friendly colleagues, and be part of a team that helps keep vital services running across the county. Whether you’re starting your career, returning to work, or looking for a role where you can make a real impact, this is a great opportunity to develop, learn and be part of something meaningful.

The Opportunity

Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK and is undergoing significant transformational change to further enhance customer focus, service and delivery. As part of this, the Business Support team will work in specialised Business Centre Support Teams and Service Support Teams to promote specialised knowledge and improved service and efficiencies.

This is an Anywhere Worker position, offering a blend of remote and office-based working. You’ll be expected to attend the office at Goodman House up to five days per week, depending on business need. On days where full-time office attendance isn’t required, remote working will apply. There may also be occasional travel to other ECC offices during the contract.

The Role

As a Business Support Assistant, you’ll join a friendly and collaborative team that plays a vital role in keeping services running smoothly. This is a varied and rewarding position where you’ll use your strengths, grow your confidence, and develop new skills within a supportive environment.

Your day-to-day work will include tasks such as word processing, minute taking, data entry, updating databases, call handling, managing shared inboxes and ensuring information is accurate and well organised. You’ll become a trusted point of contact for colleagues and stakeholders, using strong communication skills to respond professionally to queries and build positive working relationships across the organisation.

You’ll support a range of on-site and reception activities, acting as a welcoming and reliable presence for staff, visitors and customers. This will include handling enquiries, supporting reception duties, managing petty cash and helping ensure the site runs efficiently.

Due to the changing demands of the service, you will be required to undertake a range of additional or alternative duties. These include supporting other teams, carrying out varied administrative tasks, or assisting with on‑site responsibilities as needed. A flexible approach will ensure that operational requirements are met efficiently.

You’ll be encouraged to take ownership of your workload, develop strong organisational skills and gain valuable experience with key systems, processes and business procedures. You’ll be part of a team that values teamwork, supports development and recognises achievement.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Organised, with strong attention to detail
• Friendly and approachable, with clear and confident communication skills
• Motivated to provide high-quality support
• Adaptable, able to handle a range of tasks and changing priorities
• Keen to learn, develop new skills and grow within the role

This is an excellent opportunity if you enjoy working with people, appreciate variety, and want to be part of a role that offers a genuinely rewarding experience.

Accountabilities

• Providing high quality, efficient and effective Business Support services to internal customers within agreed timescales and SLAs.
• Responding to customer requests and queries in a timely and efficient way.
• Acting as a professional representative of the Business Support service at a local level, dealing with customers via telephone calls personally or redirecting in line with Essex customer standards.
• Providing high quality self-directed clerical support, checking own work and proactively looking to raise standards.
• Maintaining confidential records according to Essex County Council policy and guidance.
• Providing support to the team or service with the organisation of events, conferences and workshops to ensure high quality events.
• Providing support across the team or service in dealing with correspondence, providing meeting support in terms of documentation and finance support in all aspects of documentation processing, in a timely, consistent and professional manner.
• Sharing knowledge and good practice with colleagues and highlighting more efficient ways of delivering customer service.
• Work effectively across onsite and remote settings, providing on-site support when required.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
• Actively participates in training and supports cross-skilling to ensure flexibility and continuity of service.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to RQF Level 2 (GCSE) including maths and English or an equivalent vocational qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Evidence of the ability to develop skills and knowledge in role.
• Demonstrable experience and competence of MS Office applications and their practical application.
• Ability to use computerised systems with a high level of speed and accuracy.
• Previous experience of managing electronic or hard copy filing systems.
• Ability to communicate in a manner which is easily understood and tailored to meet the needs of the audience.
• Experience of dealing with sensitive and/or personal information in accordance with GDPR requirements.
• Ability to think of improved ways of working and open to new practices and responsive to change.
• Ability to take ownership of work and fulfil agreed commitments, checking work for accuracy.
• Demonstrable ability to deliver effective customer service.

Company: Essex County Council

Salary: Up to £25959.00 per annum

Location: Harlow, Essex

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Administration

Job Role: Officer