Business Support Assistant
Fixed Term, Full Time
£25,081 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style:
Closing Date: 23/02/2026
Please note this vacancy is available as a 37 hours per week, Fixed Term Contract up until 31/03/2028.
There will be an expectation for you to attend the office based at County Hall, Chelmsford approximately 3 days per week or when business need required. There may also be a requirement to attend other Essex County Council offices during the Contract.
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.
The Business Support Assistant works as part of a business support team to deliver effective, routine administrative support to a team or service. Learning and developing an understanding of existing processes and systems, with a good basic knowledge of the Function. Providing routine clerical support to a team/service/Function (. word processing, data entry, updating databases, meeting support, meet and greet, reception duties, directing customer queries). Managing day to day work, ensuring this meets ECC and local policies and procedures.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone to support the new Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) that are being set up. The MDT provide bespoke support around the Safeguarding of children (unborn to 18years) and their families, with the aim of preventing children going into care.
Responsibilities
1. Inbox Oversight - Managing the team's generic inbox(es), ensuring timely responses to incoming emails. Redirecting or forward messages to appropriate team members when necessary.
2. Telephone Support - Act as the primary contact for incoming calls to the team. Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure consistent coverage.
3. Data Recording - to support with updating trackers, uploading records and information.
4. Processing orders - Arranging equipment for the team and young people and processing financial requests.
5. Attending unit meetings - where case reflections will be discussed which will involve some note taking.
6. Arranging meetings and booking rooms and general admin tasks.
Accountabilities
7. Providing high quality, efficient and effective Business Support services to internal customers within agreed timescales and SLAs.
8. Responding to customer requests and queries in a timely and efficient way.
9. 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.
10. Providing high quality self-directed clerical support, checking own work and proactively looking to raise standards.
11. Maintaining confidential records according to Essex County Council policy and guidance.
12. Providing support to the team or service with the organisation of events, conferences and workshops to ensure high quality events.
13. 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.
14. Sharing knowledge and good practice with colleagues and highlighting more efficient ways of delivering customer service.
15. Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
16. Educated to RQF Level 2 (GCSE) including maths and English or an equivalent vocational qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience.
17. Evidence of the ability to develop skills and knowledge in role.
18. Demonstrable experience and competence of MS Office applications and their practical application.
19. Ability to use computerised systems with a high level of speed and accuracy.
20. Previous experience of managing electronic or hard copy filing systems.
21. Ability to communicate in a manner which is easily understood and tailored to meet the needs of the audience.
22. Experience of dealing with sensitive and/or personal information.
23. Ability to think of improved ways of working and open to new practices and responsive to change.
24. Ability to take ownership of work and fulfil agreed commitments, checking work for accuracy.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about
, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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