At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Recovery Officer to help collect debts and make a difference in our community.
- Company: Wigan Council, dedicated to building diverse teams and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Benefits: 37 hours per week, temporary role for 18 months, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to contribute to the Progress with Unity plan for Wigan Borough.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that collects over £140m annually and impacts local lives positively.
- Qualifications: Experience in debt recovery and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance.
Wigan Town Hall, 37 hours per week. Temporary for 18 Months.
We're on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough. We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!
Your role:
As a Recovery Officer you will participate in the collection of all Civil and Sundry Debts on behalf of the Council by utilising all appropriate recovery and enforcement options. The debt relates to the following categories: housing benefit, adult social care, public bodies, Wigan schools, trade, domestic and voluntary sector customer groups.
About you:
You will need to have experience of working in a Debt Recovery environment with a knowledge and understanding of County Court case management, procedures and protocols. You will need to be able to plan, organise and prioritise a portfolio of debt cases and have high level negotiation skills.
About us:
The Financial Transactions Team collect in excess of £140m of income on an annual basis. You will work closely with other Council Services to ensure that service debt is accurate and recovered on a timely basis. The Progress with Unity plan is a place movement for change for the next decade, bringing a new era for Wigan Borough. It draws on the strengths of our individual organisations, recognising that together we can achieve much more for our communities by delivering on our two place missions: create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses and make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them.
To be appointed to this role you must be able to prove your right to work in the UK, and you must maintain a valid (active) right to work. Please note, at present we are not a licenced sponsor.
Wigan Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. As part of this commitment, Wigan Council operates robust Safer Recruitment procedures.
If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, please contact Peter Bates, The Income Recovery Manager at P.Bates@wigan.gov.uk.
Interview dates:
- Priority Candidates: Week Commencing 7th September 2026
- All other Candidates: Week Commencing 14th September 2026
Recovery Officer in Wigan employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
Allscreens Nationwide is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where employees are valued and encouraged to thrive. With access to state-of-the-art training facilities and opportunities for career progression, our Automotive Glazing Technicians in Birmingham can expect not only competitive bonuses but also the chance to work with the latest technology in the industry. Join us and be part of a company that prioritises both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery Officer in Wigan
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Recovery Officer in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Allscreens Nationwide Ltd that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
