Business Support Officer

WMJobs; Oldbury; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Training via Apprenticeships

Job summary

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council in Oldbury is seeking a proactive Business Support Officer (BSO) for its Legal Division. The role is full-time and permanent, based at Sandwell Council House with a hybrid pattern (3 days on site, 2 days from home).

You will manage legal files, take minutes, maintain records, coordinate diary movements, and support senior lawyers. Training via the Institute for Apprenticeships may be available, and the post offers a clear career pathway with a banded salary.

Qualifications

• Experience in a legal environment or legal team preferred.
• Proficient with Word and Excel; filing and photocopying skills.
• Experience with a case management system desirable, preferably in a local authority.
• Familiarity with SBS or Oracle financial systems is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Legal Division.
• Maintain legal files and records (physical and electronic).
• Take minutes for strategy and team meetings; distribute as required.
• Coordinate diary movements and room bookings for staff.

Skills

Administrative experience

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Case management system

Tools

Case management system

SBS/Oracle

Job description

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council,

Job title: Business Support Officer (BSO) Grade/Salary: Band D, SCP 9-17 (£27,254 to £31,022 per annum) Contract Type: Full time, Permanent Working Pattern: 37 hours, Monday - Friday Location: Sandwell Council House, Freeth St Oldbury B69 3DE Closing date: 01/09/2026

Sandwell Council’s Legal Division is seeking a proactive Business Support Officer (BSO) on a full time, permanent basis. The role is to be based from its Oldbury office where the organisation operates to a hybrid working model of 3 days on site and 2 days from home.

The successful candidate must be confident and experienced in operating within a legal environment, with the ability to quickly become effective in the role. They should be capable of managing a varied caseload and handling all aspects of administration.

The candidate will need to be proactive, able to work well under pressure, self-reliant, and also capable of working collaboratively as part of a wider team.

In addition, there may be an opportunity to undertake training through the Institute for Apprenticeships, funded via the apprenticeship levy, in order to gain an additional qualification.

The postholder will gain exposure to a diverse workload, a high level of responsibility, and extensive client contact.

In this role you will:

• Work as part of a team providing effective administrative support to the Service.
• Maintain legal files and records, both written and electronic systems including inputting of data, photocopying, filing and ensuring consistency of records and files.
• Take minutes of meetings including strategy and team meetings, ensuring approval and accuracy of those minutes and the appropriate distribution.
• Coordinating diary movements for staff, making appointments as required, booking rooms and ensuring that all those involved are aware of the arrangements.
• To undertake basement runs to maintain old deeds and recover information from the basement and prepare and assist with the sealing of documents.
• Assist in maintaining compliant and accurate file management systems, including client care letters, audits and file reviews.
• Coordinate incoming mail and distribute as appropriate.
• Sort, distribute and undertake other tasks including necessary research for processing in- coming and outgoing communications, ensuring accuracy of responses and required approval where appropriate.
• Arranging, ordering, stock control and necessary returns of office stationary as required.
• Dealing with suppliers to ensure effective control of stock.
• Liaise with external and internal clients on behalf of Legal and Assurance.

Attributes that you would bring to the role:

• The ideal candidate will be an experienced Administrative Assistant with prior experience working in a legal team or a similar environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as experience with photocopying and filing.
• Experience working with a case management system is desirable, preferably within a local authority setting.
• Experience of SBS or an Oracle based financial system.
• Accuracy in conveying information, through keyboard, writing and verbal.

Why Sandwell Council?

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed. As such, we may close the vacancy earlier than planned.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.

If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can contact the EDI Team at [e-mail]