At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adoption panels by managing agendas, taking minutes, and ensuring smooth operations.
- Company: Join Adoption West, a dynamic regional adoption agency making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with a focus on learning and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful mission while developing your administrative skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A Levels or equivalent, with experience in administration and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25989 - 26824 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job reference: VAC008758
Date posted: 17/08/2026
Application closing date: 07/09/2026
Location: Various Locations
Salary: £25,989 – £26,824 pro rata (£15,452 - £15,949 per annum) pay award pending
Hours: Part time, 22 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Interview date: 7th September 2026
Location: Flexible. An office base in one of the offices within the Adoption West region (Bristol, Gloucester or Trowbridge) and working from home.
Adoption West is a regional adoption agency and registered voluntary adoption agency that provides adoption services for Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Councils. Adoption West operates out of 3 hubs across the region, with offices based in Bristol, Gloucester and Trowbridge.
This is an exciting time for you to join Adoption West as you will help us build on our achievements and will play a central role in the administration of adoption panels and decision making. You will provide a confidential, secretarial minute taking and admin support service to Adoption West’s Adoption Panels and other meetings as required. Panels are held frequently and the post holder is responsible for ensuring agendas are efficiently arranged, quoracy is maintained and that statutory guidelines and timescales are met.
You will be part of the wider Business Support Team, ensuring that all administration systems and processes are maintained and developed to meet the performance needs of the service. The role will also provide secretarial support for confidential and sensitive matters relating to various investigations, providing a fully responsive and flexible business support service within the department.
Key responsibilities are to:
- Prepare and plan agendas for statutory Adoption Panels.
- Co-ordinate papers to ensure members have everything required to make safe recommendations to the Agency Decision Maker in relation to adopter approvals and adoption placements.
- Attend and take full, formal and detailed minutes of the confidential Adoption Panels which are a statutory requirement.
- Attend and take full minutes of other confidential meetings.
- Initiate and maintain systems for the recording of panel items and changes to data as required.
- Liaise with all attendees of meetings and act as the contact point for communications.
- Organise and book the Adoption Panels, along with co-ordinating independent and internal panel members’ attendance to ensure quoracy.
- Responsibility for the organisation of associated activities relating to Adoption Panels such as conferences, annual events, training days, etc.
- Assist the wider service in providing an effective and efficient administrative support function.
- Answer routine enquiries from service users, and internal and external customers, and ensure that enquiries are responded to professionally and relayed accurately.
- Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times within the service area.
- Maintain systems/spreadsheets as appropriate to aid monitoring processes and enable the production of accurate records.
Please note we use generic role profiles which cover a wide range of functions some of which may not be relevant to this specific position but give an overall sense of the possible requirements of the role.
The post will report to the Business Support Officer.
You will need:
- Educated to A Level standard.
- RSA Stage II Word Processing or equivalent.
- NVQ Level II/III Business Administration or equivalent.
- Some experience of secretarial and administrative experience.
- Ability to meet deadlines and prioritise workload.
- Ability to forge and maintain good working relationships with others, at all levels.
- Ability/confidence to meet difficult situations with a calm and mature attitude and find solutions to unexpected problems.
- Able to undertake research and analysis of specific topics, without supervision.
- Able to attend meetings, and produce accurate, succinct, record/minutes.
- Proficient in use of Microsoft packages, internet, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
- High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
Adoption West is an organisation with a wealth of experience and has a learning culture, committed to enabling the post holder to grow and develop in their role. It provides support through supervision and training, offers flexible working arrangements, including job shares, and provides a Local Government Pension Scheme.
If you have the experience, skills, knowledge and enthusiasm we are seeking and are looking for a new challenge then we look forward to hearing from you.
For an informal discussion please contact: Catherine Bull, Business Support Officer on 03303 550333.
All candidates applying for Adoption West roles are assessed against the Behaviour Principles and Values during the interviewing process.
Panel Administrator - Adoption West employer: Bristol City Council
Bristol City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Trauma-Informed Recovery Navigator, you will benefit from flexible working hours and generous leave allowances, allowing you to balance your personal and professional life while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in a role that not only fosters collaboration with various services but also empowers you to contribute to the recovery journey of individuals facing complex challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Panel Administrator - Adoption West
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Bristol City Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
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We think you need these skills to ace Panel Administrator - Adoption West
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Bristol City Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Bristol City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Bristol City Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Panel Administrator - Adoption West at Bristol City Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Bristol City Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Panel Administrator - Adoption West role.
