At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch admin support to council leaders and ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Join Luton Borough Council through Connect2Luton, a local government recruitment service.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in public service with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with occasional evening and weekend events.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in admin support and strong communication skills are a must.
Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a Senior Business Officer on behalf of Luton Borough Council.
Main purpose of position:
To provide a full administrative and secretarial support service to the Executive Leader of the Council, the Leader of the opposition and occasionally the Mayor.
This role also provides a high level of practical and support to the Councillors to enhance the smooth running of the council.
You will be responsible to:
Organise and maintain the diaries, including assisting in planning, through prioritisation, allocation and organisation of appointments within a scheduled work programme. Liaise with a wide range of people to ensure that all appropriate arrangements are made for meetings, seminars and conferences, organising travel and accommodation as necessary ensuring the Executive Leader is fully briefed on all relevant issues.
Organise and provide hospitality for internal meetings. Liaising and co-working with the other Senior Business Officer is vital to ensure seamless cover is provided for the Leader of the Council, the Leader of the opposition and occasionally the Mayor.
Draft and originate correspondence and reports (including committee reports) on behalf of the Leader of the Council. Liaise with Officers and Members to provide draft responses with and briefings to complex correspondence.
Exercise personal judgement in ensuring that written communications are comprehensive, unambiguous, fluent, accurate and presented in a variety of appropriate styles dependent on the circumstances. Investigate and resolve where possible or refer complaints made to the Executive Leader and/or other Group Leaders.
Receive and filter incoming telephone calls for and personal visitors to the Leader/Deputy Leader and Mayor, from a wide range of sources including senior management, other elected Members, VIP\'s other statutory agencies and the public.
Exercise judgement in prioritising, dealing with matters within own remit and/or referring to the Leader/Deputy Council or elsewhere as necessary to ensure continuity. Initiate own calls where necessary exercising tact, discretion and courtesy. Ensure the Leader/Deputy can deliver digital and social media responses when necessary and as appropriate.
Gather research intelligence and undertake specific time-limited projects on behalf of the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council, and as instructed by the Business & Member Support Manager.
To co-ordinate input from across the Council and its partners, and sourcing external data and analysis (for example, from the internet) as necessary to ensure a detailed response and successful outcomes.
Skills and Experience:
- In depth experience of providing administrative and secretarial organisational support role to senior politicians and/or senior management
- Able to deal effectively with a wide-range of people in a courteous but assertive manner and able to exercise high levels of tact and diplomacy
- Able to compile well written and grammatically correct documents and letters
- Able to plan and organise workload to meet organisational priorities and deadlines and to facilitate the progression of important events and issues
- Able to motivate, manage and develop Junior colleagues through mentoring and coaching
- Able to use word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail and internet and social media applications
- Able to identify when discrimination is taking place in service delivery or in the work -place and take appropriate action where this is identified
- Understanding of the corporate context of Councillor and Officer roles, or in the operation of a large organisation at corporate level
- RSA III Word processing OR equivalent qualification OR equivalent experience
- Ability to attend occasional evening and weekend events, meetings or engagements at or around the Borough. Attendance to 2 civic functions per annum.
About Us
Luton Borough Council have partnered with Kent County Council to create Connect2Luton, a recruitment managed service for all contingent temporary agency, contract, and interim roles at the Council.
Our heritage and being local government owned which means we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the public sector, with many of our employees having previously worked for the Council or have supplied previously into the Council, for several years.
We are an equal opportunities employment agency and business that positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Connect2Luton is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Luton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Senior Business Officer in Luton employer: Connect2Luton
Luton Borough Council, through Connect2Luton, offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Senior Business Officer role, where employees are valued for their contributions to local governance. With a strong emphasis on professional development, the council provides ample opportunities for growth and mentorship, fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. Located in Luton, this position allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a diverse and inclusive workplace that prioritises employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Officer in Luton
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Connect2Luton, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Connect2Luton and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Officer in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Connect2Luton and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Luton
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Connect2Luton, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Connect2Luton.
