At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior leaders by managing diaries, coordinating meetings, and assisting with projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to housing and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible hours, and health support.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of equality and diversity in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English; admin experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Fixed Term Maternity Cover Vacancy – Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities Group. The post holder will provide support and assist Directors and Senior Officers across the Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities group. The role will involve coordinating partnership and governance meetings, attending in a support capacity to accurately take and record minutes, managing diaries, responding to enquiries and handling invoices. The post holder will also provide assistance to programmes and projects, taking notes and action points, carrying out actions and contributing to key project documents.
Key Responsibilities
- Diary management to support the senior leadership team
- Effectively respond to enquiries, including telephone, postal, emails in central inboxes and enquiries via social media channels
- Handle invoices, raise orders and update relevant systems and spreadsheets
- Coordinate partnership and governance meetings: preparing agendas, reports and associated papers; making room bookings, arranging equipment or facilities; arranging and setting up virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams; attending meetings and taking minutes
- Provide assistance to internal and external programmes and projects (e.g. Housing Improvement Programme): arranging project meetings and workshops; taking notes and recording action points; carrying out actions from meetings; conducting relevant research; supporting project administration and contributing to project plans and core documents
- Assist senior officers in meeting corporate and governance responsibilities: FOI requests, SARs; risk management, assurance, performance monitoring, complaints handling, audit processes, health and safety; government and grant‑related returns; undertake any other responsibilities appropriate to the grade of the post
Qualifications and Experience
- Using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) and internet‑based search engines
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 including Maths and English (or relevant equivalent experience)
- Level 2 Business Administration Principles Certificate (or equivalent) or relevant demonstrable experience
- Experience of providing administrative support
- Experience of effectively responding to enquiries from customers or other services
- Experience of organising and servicing meetings, including preparing papers and taking minutes
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Experience of handling sensitive or confidential information appropriately
- Experience of developing templates or spreadsheets to gather and present information
- Ability to input, retrieve and collate information from systems
- Ability to work independently and use own initiative
- Empathetic, demonstrating understanding and sensitivity towards others
- Strong problem‑solving ability
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
Benefits
- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
- Outstanding pension scheme
- Generous annual leave: 28 days, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council); option to buy up to 10 extra days
- Flexible working hours: up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs)
- Learning and development opportunities
- Health and wellbeing support, including discounted gym memberships and mental health resources
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric and hybrid car scheme via salary sacrifice
- Exclusive discounts and salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more
Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Housing, Environment & Healthy Communities Assistant employer: Gateshead Council
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and flexible working hours, our team members are empowered to balance their personal and professional lives while contributing to meaningful projects in the Housing, Environment, and Healthy Communities sector. Our commitment to equality and diversity ensures that every employee feels valued and respected, making this an excellent place to build a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing, Environment & Healthy Communities Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on their values and mission. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and run through some common interview questions. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of the interview, have a couple of thoughtful questions ready. This shows that you’re engaged and keen to learn more about the role and the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing, Environment & Healthy Communities Assistant
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. We want to see how you can support our Housing, Environment & Healthy Communities team specifically!
Show Off Your Admin Skills:Since this role involves a lot of diary management and meeting coordination, be sure to showcase your organisational skills. Mention any tools or methods you use to stay on top of tasks – we love a good planner!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your experience in handling enquiries and taking minutes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like diary management and coordinating meetings. This will help you demonstrate how your skills align with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Tech Skills
Since the role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office and other digital tools, be prepared to discuss your experience with these applications. Maybe even bring examples of spreadsheets or templates you've created to show off your skills!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like managing tight deadlines or dealing with sensitive information. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask them. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. You might ask about their approach to team collaboration or how they support professional development.
