Business Support Officer
Location: Barnsley
Client: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Contract Type: Temporary (3 Months)
Hours: Full time (37 hours per week)
Salary: £15.66 per hour (Umbrella)
About the Role: Barnsley Council is seeking two experienced Business Support Officers (Minute Takers) to provide vital administrative and business support to frontline safeguarding services.
The postholders will primarily support Safeguarding Conferences, attending face-to-face meetings with professionals and family members to accurately record discussions and decisions. These meetings are held across Barnsley Town Centre and the Darton Centre, and therefore candidates must have access to a vehicle or be willing to use public transport to travel between locations.
In addition, postholders may occasionally be asked to minute other meetings for the wider Business Support teams based in Barnsley Town Centre.
For the first six weeks, both officers will be required to work five days per week from the Westgate or Darton offices. After this period, hybrid working may be available, with a requirement to be office-based for a minimum of three days per week or more depending on business needs.
Key Responsibilities
Provide efficient and confidential business support to safeguarding and statutory services.
Attend face-to-face Safeguarding Conferences and accurately minute decisions and actions in real-time using mobile IT devices.
Liaise with professionals, families, and other stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and confidentiality.
Manage meeting arrangements, including scheduling, venue booking, and distribution of papers.
Support other Business Support teams across the Council when required.
Respond to enquiries from internal and external stakeholders, providing guidance and signposting as appropriate.
Process and manage correspondence, reports, and documentation efficiently.
Maintain accurate and secure electronic and paper records in line with data protection policies.
Undertake financial and administrative duties including order processing and payments.
Assist in the development and improvement of administrative systems and processes.Experience & Knowledge
Essential:
Experience in a business support or administrative environment.
Proven experience minute-taking in meetings, ideally within safeguarding or sensitive settings.
Experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
Experience working with data, reports, and financial information.
Knowledge of local government structures, policies, and procedures.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and computerised administrative systems.
Understanding of data protection, information governance, and confidentiality requirements.Desirable:
Familiarity with statutory safeguarding processes.
Knowledge of project management or business process improvement.Skills & Competencies
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with professionals and families sensitively.
High accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in minute-taking.
Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
Ability to prioritise and manage competing demands effectively.
Emotional resilience when dealing with sensitive or distressing information.
Competent IT skills, including use of mobile devices for real-time recording.
Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively as part of a team.Additional Requirements
Willingness to travel between Barnsley Town Centre and Darton Centre.
Access to a car or willingness to use public transport.
Ability to work flexibly to meet business needs.
Commitment to professional development and ongoing training.
Work in alignment with Barnsley Council’s values, vision, and behaviours.Additional Benefits
Opportunity to contribute to vital safeguarding services.
Access to professional development and training.
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements following the initial training period.
Local Government Pension Scheme eligibility (where applicable).
If you are interested in the role and would like to contact me for further information on the role you can contact myself on the details below.
At Service Care Solutions we also offer a £250 bonus for referrals! If you think you know someone who would be ideal for this role and they are placed in the job you will then receive £250 at the end of their probationary period.
To apply for this role, or to refer someone else, then please do not hesitate to contact Jack at Service Care Solutions on (phone number removed) or email on (url removed)