District Administration Assistant (Engagement and Admissions) in Manchester

Key Details

• Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week (Occasional evening and weekend work as required by the service)
• Contract Type: Full‑Time, Permanent
• Closing Date: 26 March 2026
• Closing Time: 11.59pm
• Interview Method: Face to Face
• References: 2 references are required; where possible we request a 3‑year history.
• DBS Clearance: This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Exceptions Order 1975 (amended 2013). Appointable candidates will need to apply for a Standard or Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Proof of Manchester Residency: Roles at Grade 1 to 3, traineeships, or apprenticeships are initially advertised only to Manchester residents and internal candidates.

About the Role

Manchester Adult Education Service (MAES) is establishing a new Admissions Team to provide a streamlined, learner‑centred journey for adults across the city. This fast‑paced, people‑focused role offers the opportunity to create a real difference by helping residents access education and progress into work or further study.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide a high‑quality, friendly, and professional first point of contact for enquiries from prospective learners, staff, and external partners.
• Respond to phone, email, and in‑person queries regarding courses, assessments, and the admissions process with tact, diplomacy, and established procedures.
• Offer basic course information and signpost learners towards appropriate curriculum contacts or advisors when needed.
• Support the scheduling, organisation, and delivery of assessment sessions across MAES centres and community venues (e.g., libraries, job centres), ensuring rooms, resources, and IT systems are prepared.
• Register learner attendance, support on‑the‑day logistics, and assist staff and learners during assessment and enrolment activities.
• Carry out administrative elements of the assessment process, such as scanning evidence, filing assessments, and preparing learners to start their programmes of study.
• Support learners in completing applications or ‘Register Your Interest’ forms and ensure any required evidence is collected.
• Complete accurate eligibility checks (e.g., residency, ID, prior qualifications) following defined procedures and escalating complex cases appropriately.
• Assist with enrolment and induction processes, ensuring learners receive the correct information, paperwork, and support services (e.g., ID badges, induction packs).
• Update and maintain learner information within management information systems accurately, following agreed procedures.
• Ensure assessments, evidence, and admissions documents are filed and stored correctly to support compliance and audit requirements.
• Produce basic reports or data extracts when required, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Work collaboratively with Admissions, Curriculum, Engagement, Learning Support, and Business Support teams to ensure smooth learner transitions and aligned processes.
• Liaise with curriculum staff regarding course availability, assessment requirements, and learner follow‑up.
• Provide support across different MAES centres where required to meet operational demand.
• Prepare and maintain resources for admissions activities, including stationery, forms, digital files, and room setups.
• Complete documentation, correspondence, and administrative tasks accurately and within agreed timescales.
• Support general office functions, procurement of supplies, and day‑to‑day centre operations as part of the wider Business Support team.
• Contribute to improvements in admissions processes by providing feedback on recurring issues, learner experience, and operational challenges.
• Maintain a personal commitment to professional development and service improvement.
• Demonstrate “Our Manchester” behaviours in all interactions and uphold equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the admissions experience.

What We’re Looking For

• Consent to apply for an enhanced disclosure check.
• Strong IT skills, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• An apprenticeship relevant to the role (e.g., Business Administration, Customer Service, Team Leading, Management) or the willingness to achieve one within two years.
• Passion for making a real difference to people’s lives, strong interpersonal skills, and organisational, motivated attitude to be part of a new team.

Benefits We Offer

• Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service.
• Backing pension – Enrolment in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with options to top up and a life cover of three times salary.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave – ample time for bonding or supporting family during critical life events.
• Brilliant perks – discounts on weekly shopping, holidays, MCR+ days out, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, free flu jabs, eye tests, and more.
• Learning and growth – dedicated learning opportunities from workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships, and qualifications, beginning with a comprehensive onboarding process.
• Good Employment Charter membership – secure, flexible work, fairness embedded in everything, annual pay reviews, recognition by three trade unions, and extensive health and wellbeing support.
• Up to three days of volunteering leave – pro‑rate of paid volunteering leave in addition to existing benefits.

Our Commitment to Inclusive Workplaces

We actively welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds, especially from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people, and young people. Interview adjustments: let us know if you need any adjustments for the interview. Accessible formats – our ReciteMe tool, accessed via the “Accessibility tools” button, offers text‑to‑speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour. Guaranteed assessment for applicants meeting minimum shortlisting requirements and identifying with at least one of the following: armed forces members or veterans, current or former care leavers, disability or long‑term condition. Disability confident employer – workplace adjustment hub, staffed networks for disabled, neurodiversity, and mental health staff, and commitment to accessibility standards.

Pre‑Employment Checks

• Proof of Right to Work – provide documentary evidence of UK right to work.
• References – from current and previous employer(s).
• Proof of Qualifications – evidence relevant to the role.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check – required based on role.
• Proof of Manchester Residency – if applicable.
• Police Vetting – if required for safety or data protection.
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance – for roles handling government data.
• Driving Licence – if the role requires driving.

Additional Information

We can provide necessary aids, adaptations, or equipment to support the duties of the role. If a task is unachievable, we will look at redesigning part of the role. Read the attached role profile for detailed application information.