Receptionist - Probation Service (NPS)

Brook Street; Brentford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Brook Street is recruiting a Receptionist for the National Probation Service at the PDU Hammersmith, Fulham, and surrounding areas. The role focuses on first contact with visitors and staff, providing efficient admin support and maintaining a secure, welcoming office environment.

The post requires clear communication, MS Office skills, and discretion handling confidential information. A probation period and security vetting apply; veterans and military families are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• GCSEs (A-C) in Maths and English or equivalent.
• Ability to handle confidential information professionally.
• Desirable: Experience in customer service, administration, or a criminal justice setting.
• Desirable: IT qualifications (ECDL/CLAIT).
• Desirable: Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for visitors, probation staff, and others in person and by phone/email.
• Handle enquiries professionally, signpost individuals, and maintain visitor records.
• Provide general admin support including mail handling, meeting room management, stationery orders.
• Support security and building operations, CCTV monitoring, visitor passes, and safety checks.
• Process petty cash, travel warrants, and logs for maintenance or building issues.
• Use internal systems to update records and produce correspondence or reports.
• Promote equality, diversity, and confidentiality in all aspects of the role.

Skills

Strong communication

Microsoft Office

Confidential information handling

Customer service experience

Education

GCSEs (A-C) in Maths and English

Tools

IT qualifications (ECDL/CLAIT)

Job description

Receptionist - Probation Service (NPS)

Location: 191a Askew Road, Shepherds Bush, London, W12 9AX
Pay: £14.91 per hour (experienced) / £12.86 per hour (no experience)
Booking Number: 426042
Contract: Until 19/10/2026 (with potential to extend, not guaranteed)
Working Hours: Full-time, office-based

About the Role

We are recruiting a Receptionist to join the National Probation Service (NPS) at the PDU Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster.
This is a key front-of-house and administrative role, providing an efficient and professional first point of contact for all visitors and callers, while supporting wider office operations.

You will work as part of a dedicated team, ensuring smooth day-to-day running of the office and contributing to a safe, welcoming, and well-organised environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for visitors, people on probation, and staff-both in person and via phone/email.

• Handle enquiries professionally, signpost individuals appropriately, and maintain accurate visitor records.

• Provide general administrative support including mail handling, meeting room management, stationery orders, and event coordination.

• Support security and building operations, including monitoring CCTV, managing visitor passes, and assisting with health and safety checks.

• Process petty cash, travel warrants, and maintain logs for maintenance or building issues.

• Use internal systems and databases to update records and produce correspondence or reports as required.

• Promote equality, diversity, and confidentiality in all aspects of the role.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

• GCSEs (A-C) in Maths and English or equivalent.

• Ability to handle confidential information professionally.

Desirable:

• Experience in customer service, administration, or a criminal justice setting.

• IT qualifications (e.g., ECDL/CLAIT).

• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage challenging situations.

Behaviours (Civil Service Success Profiles)

• Delivering at Pace

• Communicating and Influencing

• Changing and Improving

• Managing a Quality Service

Additional Information

• All candidates will be required to undergo security vetting (approx. 6 weeks).

• External candidates are subject to a 6-month probation period.

Brook Street is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and as such, we guarantee to interview all candidates who are veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel, and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.

As a Disability Confident Leader, and holder of the Gold Award status from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, Brook Street, as a supplier to the Public Sector Resourcing Framework (PSR), will offer you a guaranteed interview with a PSR Sourcer.

Should you identify as a candidate with a disability and/or as a veteran or spouse/partner of military personnel and meet all the essential criteria for the role, we encourage you to reach out to us via the Brook Street website. Here you will find a link to register your interest and state the role that you are interested in. We are committed to engaging with you.

In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses/partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, Brook Street will interview the best candidates from within that group.