Facilities Assistant

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich is seeking a Facilities Assistant to ensure a safe and well-maintained environment. The role includes regular security patrols, basic maintenance, and customer support to enhance community engagement. Ideal candidates will possess basic DIY skills, effective communication abilities, and a proactive approach to ensuring safety. The position offers a salary of £25,185 per annum for 12.25 hours per week with various benefits, including annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Annual leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Visible and proactive presence in the building.
• Confident in dealing with difficult individuals.
• Skilled in basic DIY and maintenance tasks.
• Familiar with health and safety requirements.
• Comfortable using IT systems including email.

Responsibilities

• Carry out regular security patrols within and around the building.
• Maintain security and assist with public order.
• Support groups using rooms for hire.
• Maintain cleanliness standards.
• Perform basic repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Move goods and furniture as needed.
• Assist staff with activities throughout the building.

Skills

Customer-oriented

Basic DIY skills

Health and safety awareness

Effective communication

Proactive presence

Job description

Suffolk County Council

• Address: Ipswich County Library, Northgate Street, Ipswich, IP1 3DE – On‑site working
• Salary: £25,185 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: 12.25 hours per week (Week 1: Mon 14:00‑18:30, Wed 14:00‑18:30, Fri 14:00‑19:30; Week 2: Tue 14:00‑19:30, Thu 14:00‑18:30)
• Contract: Permanent

At Suffolk County Council we’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Facilities Assistant and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy. Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

• Carry out regular security patrols within and around the building.
• Maintain security, acting as key holder, and assist with public order, taking appropriate action to ensure safety of users and staff.
• Support groups and organisations using rooms for hire.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation.
• Perform basic repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Move goods, stock, and furniture as needed.
• Assist staff with activities and services throughout the building.
• Be customer‑orientated and achieve good customer relations.

This is a physically active role that involves bending and lifting.

You will need

• A visible and proactive presence in the building.
• Confident in dealing with difficult or disruptive individuals.
• Skilled in basic DIY and maintenance tasks.
• Familiar with health and safety requirements.
• Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
• Comfortable using IT systems including email and online forms.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

Facilities Assistants work within Suffolk Community Libraries’ local branches, forming an essential part of the facilities and support team. The team collaborates closely with library staff, volunteers, community groups, and other council services to maintain safe, welcoming, and well‑maintained environments for all users. By supporting day‑to‑day operations and events, the team helps promote inclusive access to learning, information, and community engagement.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Charmain Osborne for a casual conversation. You can reach them by emailing [e-mail].

How to apply

1. Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
2. Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
3. 1. Can you describe a time when you identified a health or safety risk in a workplace and how you dealt with it?
4. 2. Tell us about a situation where you had to manage a disruptive or challenging individual. What steps did you take and what was the outcome?
5. 3. Tell us about a time when your work schedule or duties changed unexpectedly. How did you handle it?
6. Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
7. Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
8. We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
9. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail] or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 11:30pm, 9 December 2025.

Interview date: 18 December 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Onsite

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• Performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• Diverse and active staff networks
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).