Centre Assistant in Chelmsford

Cardfields Environment Centre is a residential centre that welcomes schools and community groups from Islington and other areas and is also available for private hire. We are seeking to appoint a new Centre Assistant to support the running of this busy centre. This is an exciting opportunity for a hard-working and capable individual who would like to work in hospitality.

You will need to:

• Be able to work quickly and effectively to tight deadlines carrying out cleaning duties, making beds, vacuuming, and laundry to maintain health and safety standards.
• Be able to work without supervision and use initiative, support the catering team, and carry out associated tasks such as cleaning and clearing surfaces.
• Cover breakfast and lunch duties.
• Have flexibility within all areas.
• Be keen to learn/develop and undertake Child Protection training.
• Be keen to learn and develop skills in Food Hygiene qualification.
• Be polite and always welcoming to provide outstanding customer service.

The Centre Assistant will work as part of a team to provide an outstanding residential experience for Children, Young People, and Adults. We currently have a vacancy for the following 20-hour post: Monday and Friday only, term time only. 5 hours Monday, 4.5 hours Tuesday, 4.5 hours Thursday, plus 6 hours Friday, term time only. Please note: Centre Assistant will be required to work one weekend in four when required.

For an informal chat about the post, please contact Elaine Clarke - Service Manager or Ann Warren - Head Housekeeper on 01245380031. If you think you have what it takes, please apply online at www.islington.gov.uk/working or for support with the application, please contact the Service Manager.

Closing Date: Sunday 31st May 2026 at 23:59

Interview & Testing Date: Tuesday July 7th 2026 to start in the role in September 2026.

About You

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council, our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers, we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future. We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you includes:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week.
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
• Excellent local government pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check with children barred list, qualifications check, and 3/5 years referencing.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.