Receptionist

At Holloway Neighbourhood Group, we’ve been at the heart of Holloway for over 35 years, supporting local people to feel connected, healthy and heard. From community cafés and creative activities to wellbeing support and advice services, everything we do is shaped by and for our hyper‑local neighbourhood. We work with people of all ages and backgrounds, with a strong focus on inclusion, mental health and reducing isolation. We are growing our spaces and services to become Holloway’s “community living room” — a welcoming, inclusive place where everyone feels they belong.

We’re now looking for Reception Staff to join our team — essential front‑line roles that are responsive to all enquiries, providing the HNG warm welcome that makes people feel ‘at home’.

Job purpose

To be the front line for the charity, providing support for the team during busy times. The post holder will be based in the reception area to welcome people to the building, answer questions and chat and promote our own and other local activities. They will help activities run smoothly, setting up spaces and tidying up afterwards (this involves a lot of washing up). They need to be confident using computers and telephone systems, including sending emails, preparing registers and entering data into the database (lamplight). The post holder will work on rota as part of a team of reception staff. Reception is the hub of the building and the post holder is central to our success in keeping a positive open environment where people can give immediate feedback, share ideas and generally work together as an open and supportive community.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee reception at peak times, responding to initial enquiries (via phone, email and in person) for our own activities as well as those based in the building.
• Provide proactive front‑line cover, where possible resolving queries or de‑escalating drama in the moment.
• Register participants for activities, including adding details to lamplight (database/ CRM system).
• Establish and maintain good relations with all building users, delivering excellent customer service while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Set up and clear up rooms for activities (includes moving chairs, making tea and coffee, sometimes going to the shops for milk) resetting the room afterwards.
• Support volunteers in making the reception area a warm welcome with a community living room vibe.

General responsibilities (all staff)

• Work as part of a small team, problem solving and supporting colleagues to make sure activities are delivered.
• Participate in regular line management meetings and attend training events as necessary.
• Ensure that all HNG policies and procedures are adhered to, particularly those relating to Health and Safety, Safeguarding, the Environment, Equal Opportunities and Confidentiality.
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role.

Person specification

• Strong interpersonal skills, bringing a warm, friendly welcome to all visitors, including those seeking partner organisations, room hirers or anything in the local area.
• Good communication skills, confident speaking with people face‑to‑face and on the phone, with the ability to listen carefully and pass on accurate information.
• Administrative experience, comfortable preparing registers, recording attendance, and entering data into systems such as Lamplight (training will be provided).
• Experience of working in a busy environment, responding to queries, prioritising tasks and staying calm when several things are happening at once.
• Practical, hands‑on approach, able to see what’s needed, step in and action it. This could be anything but most often involves moving chairs, making refreshments, tidying and washing up.
• Reliability and good time‑keeping, committed to working agreed shifts as part of a rota and support the smooth running of activities.
• Experience in customer service, community work, or a similar front‑facing role.
• Familiarity with community centres, adult learning, or voluntary sector environments.
• Confidence using databases or booking systems.
• Knowledge of Holloway/ Nag’s Head local area and services, willingness to learn about signposting options.

Please see our full job description & application form via our website here: https://www.hng.org.uk/recruitment.html