At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic support to senior leaders and help deliver excellent community service.
- Company: Join the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, onsite gym, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for job-share or part-time arrangements; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while growing professionally in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in business support, strong communication skills, and high IT proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 33699 - 38220 £ per year.
Salary: £33,699 - £38,220 per annum, Grade 4
Hours: Full Time - 37 hours per week
Location: Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading
Annual leave: 28 days pro rata
Other benefits: Flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities, Local Government Pension Scheme
About the role
Working in Business Support within the fire service means stepping into a role where your skills make a difference every single day. Working as part of a team, you will be providing strategic support to the Senior Leadership Team and Directors, working across a variety of service areas to help deliver excellent service to the community of Berkshire. It’s a chance to combine purpose with professional growth—bringing your organisational talent, problem‑solving mindset, and people‑focused approach to an environment that values integrity, teamwork, and innovation. If you’re looking for a role where your contribution truly matters and your work supports a safer future for everyone, this is the place to make your impact.
About you
You are an organised and proactive professional with significant experience providing high‑quality business support within a fast‑paced, professional environment. Confident in supporting senior leaders, you bring excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and sensitive information with discretion and integrity. You thrive on managing priorities, handling sensitive information with discretion, and delivering high‑quality, detail‑focused support across governance, projects and events, always with a strong customer focus and a collaborative approach.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
- Provide effective support to assigned members of the Senior Leadership Team, manage diaries and respond to correspondence.
- Minute meetings or take action and decision log notes.
- Ensure confidentiality, professional integrity and discretion is maintained at all times.
- Carry out systems‑based work (data entry, interrogation, and assurance).
- Operate in a highly political and sensitive environment and champion political awareness.
Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience)
- Significant experience of working in an office environment, providing a business support function.
- Ability to communicate to a high standard in writing and producing documents in a range of formats.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally with a high level of interpersonal skills.
- Experience of providing senior management support.
- High level of IT skills, using full Microsoft packages.
Our Commitments
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work. Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too. Applications are welcome for job‑share or part‑time arrangements please enquire on application. All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme). Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.
Business Support Officer in Reading employer: Fire-Service
At Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values integrity, teamwork, and innovation. Located in Calcot, Reading, our supportive work culture offers flexible working arrangements, an onsite gym, and a commitment to employee growth through diverse opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including a Local Government Pension Scheme and generous annual leave.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Officer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working in the fire service or similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Knowing about their commitment to diversity and community service will help you connect your skills to their mission during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires excellent interpersonal abilities, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Officer in Reading
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 Business Support Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent written communication, ensure your application is clear and concise. Proofread for any typos or errors, as we value attention to detail and professionalism in all our communications.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention your previous experience in providing business support, especially in fast-paced environments. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities and supported senior leaders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and securely, and you'll have access to all the latest updates about the role and our organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fire-Service
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Business Support Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how your skills align with them. This will help you articulate your experience and demonstrate how you can contribute to the Senior Leadership Team.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires excellent organisational abilities, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities in the past. Be ready to discuss specific situations where your proactive approach made a difference, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Effective communication is crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to rehearse common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence and ensure you convey your interpersonal skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Integrity
Given the sensitive nature of the information you'll handle, be prepared to discuss how you maintain confidentiality and professionalism. Share examples from your previous roles where you successfully navigated sensitive situations while upholding integrity and trust.
