At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a regional project across 17 local authorities, providing vital administrative assistance.
- Company: Join Bracknell Forest Council, a stable and supportive local authority focused on community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, career development, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team driving impactful change in fostering recruitment.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational and communication skills are essential; experience in project support is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working and the chance to make a real difference in children's social care.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Location: Contract: Temporary Working Pattern: Full Time Hours: 37 hours per week. DBS Check: No Closing Date: 06/06/2025 at 23:59 Reference: People/25/314627
12-month fixed-term contract or 12-month secondment opportunity for internal candidates.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Business and Project Support Officer to support our Regional Strategic Project across 17 local authorities in the South East of England. At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices. Whilst largely homebased, there is an expectation that you will work from the Bracknell Forest Council Time Square offices 2-5 days a month and visit the 17 local authorities partner offices in the South East on occasions throughout the pilot year.
About you... You will be highly organised and will provide vital support to our Project Delivery Manager, Service Leads and Team Managers from across the South East region. This role is part of a Department for Education funded project within the Children's Social Care team in the People Directorate. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects are essential for this role. You will need to quickly build effective relationships with colleagues across various local authorities. A professional, flexible attitude and a proactive, "can-do" approach are key, along with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. Confidence in building relationships remotely is also crucial to your success as you will be liaising with colleagues virtually with teams across the South East region.
About the team... We are a collaborative and supportive team, committed to driving innovation in fostering recruitment. Our approach is centered on working together to create solutions that make a difference. We spearhead strategic, high-profile marketing campaigns that not only raise awareness but also drive meaningful and lasting change across the Southeast. Through our efforts, we aim to reshape recruitment practices, ensuring that they are effective, inclusive and impactful in addressing the needs of the region.
Key responsibilities...
- To provide a consistent and reliable high quality business, project and administrative support to this Department for Education funded Local Authority Fostering South East (LAFSE) project to ensure the successful delivery against agreed budgets, timescales and objectives.
- To develop close contacts with colleagues from our partner 17 local authorities across the South East region in order to ensure the successful delivery of this high profile fostering project.
- To act as the main contact point for both internal and external partners triaging and responding to queries appropriately and providing support to the LAFSE team.
25 days* annual leave increasing to 28 days* after 3 years’ continuous service. The opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days* annual leave per year and sell 5 days. Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. Electric vehicle salary sacrifice for an electric car at a fixed monthly cost (subject to eligibility). An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks. Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme) Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave. Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits such as annual leave entitlements, occupational maternity/paternity leave, and more. (Terms and Conditions apply – please refer to candidate pack for more information.) Career development through internal and external training opportunities. A great office location next to travel links and Bracknell Forest’s thriving town centre. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing. Sports and Social Club. Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
Our values... At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments... We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting us. We will work with you to support you throughout the process.
Interview date Interviews will be held on 27th June 2025. Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment. We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
Want to ask us a question... For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact: Job Title: Senior Project Delivery Manager.
At Bracknell Forest we champion equality, diversity and inclusion. At Bracknell Forest Council, we are always learning, ambition and inclusive. Please see our candidate pack for more details. Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.
Any successful internal candidate will be offered the position as a secondment and, in line with Section 8.1 of the Secondment Policy, must consult with their manager before applying. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis. No agencies please. Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
How to apply Please apply online via the link provided.
Business and Project Support Officer - Local Authority Fostering South East employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Contact Detail:
Bracknell Forest Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business and Project Support Officer - Local Authority Fostering South East
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local authorities in the South East. Understanding their specific needs and challenges will help you build rapport and demonstrate your commitment to supporting the fostering project.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your organisational skills during any discussions or interviews. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects or tasks, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills, especially in a virtual setting. Since you'll be liaising with colleagues remotely, being clear and concise in your communication will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for collaboration and innovation in fostering recruitment. Research recent trends or successful campaigns in this area, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the team's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Business and Project Support Officer - Local Authority Fostering South East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the needs of the Business and Project Support Officer position.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your organisational skills and any previous experience in project support or administration. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple tasks and build relationships effectively.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is essential for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with colleagues or stakeholders in previous positions. Mention any experience you have with remote communication tools.
Express Your Values: Bracknell Forest Council values inclusivity, ambition, and continuous learning. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by discussing how you embody them in your work and interactions with others.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Business and Project Support Officer, being organised is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built relationships with colleagues, especially in remote settings.
✨Demonstrate a Proactive Attitude
The role requires a 'can-do' approach. Think of instances where you took initiative to solve problems or improve processes. Highlighting your proactive nature will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Local Authorities
Since you'll be working across 17 local authorities, it’s beneficial to have some knowledge about them. Research their recent projects or initiatives related to fostering. This shows your commitment and interest in the role.