Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide administrative support and manage casework in a busy council office.
- Company: Birmingham City Council, a leading local authority in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, valuable experience, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Gain insight into the political process while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail and previous minute-taking experience preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic city-centre location.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Temporary ongoing assignment as a Business Support Officer in the Scrutiny team at Birmingham City Council.
Your new company Birmingham City Council is one of the UK’s largest local authorities, supporting democratic decision‑making and governance across the city.
You will join the Scrutiny team, providing professional administrative and secretarial support within a busy Group Office environment.
Your new role As a Business Support Officer, you will provide a comprehensive and confidential secretarial support service within the Group Office, working closely with the Group Office Manager. The role involves managing casework, opening and processing post, and producing high‑quality written documents including letters, reports and memos through word processing, shorthand, copy typing and audio typing, ensuring priorities and deadlines are met.
You will support effective working practices by ensuring enquiries and correspondence raised on behalf of Group Councillors are handled appropriately, which includes drafting responses, monitoring actions taken by teams outside the office, and ensuring timely follow‑up. In addition, you will provide general administrative support such as arranging meetings, maintaining both manual and electronic records, filing, and processing stationery, printing and photocopying requests. Previous minute taking or note-taking experience is desired. Attention to detail and a proactive approach to supporting councillors and senior colleagues are essential.
What you’ll get in return You will receive a competitive hourly rate with an uplift after 12 weeks, alongside the opportunity to gain valuable experience within a central council function. This role offers exposure to the political and democratic process, a professional city‑centre office location, and the chance to work within a supportive and collaborative team.
Business Support Officer - Service Support in Birmingham employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Officer - Service Support in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Birmingham City Council. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Scrutiny team and understanding their role within the council. We want you to show that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about supporting democratic processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your minute-taking skills! Since previous experience is desired, brush up on how to capture key points quickly and accurately. This will give you an edge during interviews and show you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Officer - Service Support in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Support Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in administrative support, especially any work with case management or document production. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your skills in word processing, shorthand, and audio typing. Mention any specific software you’re familiar with, as this will help us understand how you can hit the ground running in our busy Group Office.
Attention to Detail is Key: Since the role requires high-quality written documents, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate a proactive approach, so if you spot something that could be improved, go ahead and fix it before sending it off!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Business Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like managing casework and producing high-quality documents. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Since attention to detail is crucial for this position, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed detailed tasks. Whether it’s minute-taking or drafting correspondence, be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy and quality in your work.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle multiple priorities. Think of scenarios where you had to manage competing deadlines or support a team under pressure. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of projects you'll be involved in, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
