At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for customer enquiries and provide top-notch support.
- Company: Join the British Council, a leader in international education and cultural exchange.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping people connect through the Erasmus+ programme.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25520 - 25520 £ per year.
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire.
The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+. In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014-20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations.
Pay Band: Grade 6
Salary: £25,520 gross per annum
Contract Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension
Location: Cardiff & Belfast.
Right to Work Requirements: Current right to work in the UK. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications.
Closing Date: Applications will close on 14 August at 22:59 UK Time
Role Purpose:
We are looking for a customer-focused professional to join the Erasmus+ Customer Experience team. As the first point of contact for applicants, beneficiaries and stakeholders, you will provide high-quality support across phone, email and digital channels, ensuring every customer receives a professional, fair and helpful service. You will provide information and guidance, resolve enquiries, maintain accurate records and escalate complex issues appropriately. Working closely with colleagues across the customer experience, appeals and complaints function, you will help deliver an efficient, transparent and customer-centred service.
Main Responsibilities:
- Act as the first point of contact for customer enquiries across phone, email and digital channels.
- Provide accurate information and guidance in line with programme policies and service standards.
- Resolve straightforward issues promptly and escalate more complex cases when required.
- Maintain accurate records, case notes and customer information within internal systems.
- Ensure compliance with data protection, confidentiality and information governance requirements.
- Capture customer feedback and identify recurring themes or service improvements.
- Support colleagues across customer experience, complaints and appeals functions.
- Deliver a professional, fair and customer-centred service that promotes trust and confidence in the programme.
Role Specific Knowledge & Experience:
Essential
- Experience providing customer service or customer support.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to manage multiple enquiries efficiently and professionally.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload.
- Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and information security principles.
- Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging situations.
- Competent user of Microsoft Office applications and other digital systems.
- Ability to communicate effectively in Welsh, both verbally and in writing (Wales roles only).
Desirable
- Experience in grant administration or other public-facing services.
- Experience working within education, public sector or regulated environments.
- Customer Service or Customer Experience qualification.
- Knowledge of Erasmus+ or similar programmes.
Specific Requirements
- Degree or equivalent work experience.
- Written and verbal proficiency in English.
- Ability to work effectively within a hybrid working environment.
The British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.
Safeguarding Statement: The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.
If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org
E+ Customer Experience Officer in Cardiff employer: British Council
The British Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions inclusion and diversity. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong commitment to social impact, employees have ample opportunities for professional growth and development while contributing to meaningful initiatives that make a difference in communities across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land E+ Customer Experience Officer in Cardiff
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at British Council. 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 British Council 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 E+ Customer Experience Officer in Cardiff
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 British Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at British Council 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 British Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Council
✨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.