At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide information and support to prospective students via phone, email, and chat.
- Company: Join The Bedford College Group, a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 27 days leave, and access to professional development courses.
- Other info: Part-time, permanent position with opportunities for growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and maths required; customer service experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24552 - 26754 £ per year.
Role: Contact Centre Advisor – OCTOBER START
Location: Bedford College – Cauldwell Street Campus
Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £24,552 and £26,754 per annum (Pro-Rata) DOE and Qualifications, 27 days annual leave (Pro-Rata) plus Bank holidays, People’s Pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Hours/Weeks: 25 hours per week – 52 weeks per year
Contract Type: Permanent – Part Time
Right to work in the UK is required; no sponsorship is offered.
About the role
- Information, Advice & Guidance Delivery – Provide accurate, impartial and timely information on courses and services via multiple channels (phone, email, WhatsApp, live chat), ensuring a high‑quality customer experience.
- Customer Engagement & Enrolment Support – Act as the first point of contact for prospective learners, guiding them through enquiry, application and enrolment processes while maximising conversion rates.
- Communication, CRM & Data Management – Record and track all interactions using CRM systems, manage enquiries effectively and ensure customer data is handled in line with GDPR and service standards.
- Knowledge Development & Continuous Improvement – Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of courses, funding and processes, contribute to knowledge bases and use feedback to improve services and customer satisfaction.
- Teamwork, Events & Professional Practice – Work collaboratively within the Directorate, support recruitment events, meet KPIs and uphold safeguarding, EDI, health & safety and continuous professional development standards.
About you
- Qualifications, IAG & Professional Development – GCSE English and maths (Grade 4/A–C) with ongoing CPD, working towards or holding a Level 4 IAG qualification to support high‑quality advice delivery.
- Customer Service, Administration & Enquiry Management – Strong experience in busy, customer‑focused environments, managing enquiries across multiple channels while meeting targets, deadlines and service standards.
- Communication, IT & Data Handling – Excellent written and verbal communication skills, high‑level IT proficiency and ability to analyse data and maintain accurate records in line with GDPR and confidentiality requirements.
- Organisation, Teamwork & Stakeholder Engagement – Highly organised and able to prioritise workload under pressure, working collaboratively with colleagues and engaging effectively with students, staff and the public.
- Professional Values, Flexibility & Safeguarding – Self‑motivated, professional and adaptable, committed to safeguarding, equality and continuous development, with flexibility to travel across campuses and work evenings or weekends as required.
Vision values
- Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred – At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
Safeguarding our Students
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Contact Centre Advisor - OCTOBER START - INTERNAL ONLY in Bedford employer: Bedford ESOL
The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional and personal development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and continuous improvement are at the forefront. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and access to college courses, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on students' lives in a vibrant educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contact Centre Advisor - OCTOBER START - INTERNAL ONLY in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research The Bedford College Group and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to customer service and communication skills. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the interview, highlight your experience in busy, customer-focused environments. Share specific examples of how you've managed enquiries and met targets to demonstrate your capability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. This not only shows good manners but also reinforces your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Contact Centre Advisor - OCTOBER START - INTERNAL ONLY in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Contact Centre Advisor. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of providing excellent support to students!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of communication, be sure to showcase your written and verbal skills in your application. Use clear, concise language and demonstrate your ability to engage effectively with different audiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your customer service experience and ability to manage enquiries. We love seeing how you've made a positive impact in previous positions!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Bedford College Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford ESOL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the courses and services offered by The Bedford College Group. Brush up on the latest information, advice, and guidance (IAG) practices so you can confidently answer questions and provide accurate information during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve excelled in customer service. Highlight how you managed enquiries across different channels and met targets, as this role is all about providing a high-quality customer experience.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, think of instances where you collaborated effectively with colleagues. Be ready to discuss how you contribute to a positive team environment and support your peers, especially in busy situations.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Practice responding to potential challenges you might face as a Contact Centre Advisor, focusing on how you would ensure student satisfaction and uphold safeguarding standards.