At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of the National Probation Service, welcoming visitors and managing enquiries.
- Company: Join a supportive team at the National Probation Service in a dynamic office environment.
- Benefits: Earn up to £14.91 per hour, with full-time hours and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a difference by supporting individuals on probation and ensuring a safe, organised space.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office required; customer service experience is a plus.
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.
Receptionist - Probation Service (NPS) employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist - Probation Service (NPS)
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at All The Top Bananas. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like All The Top Bananas before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist - Probation Service (NPS)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to All The Top Bananas:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at All The Top Bananas specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at All The Top Bananas!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
