Business Support Officer - Adoption Panel Team in Maidstone

Job Overview

Join our Adoption Panel Team and play a vital role in supporting safe, timely decision‑making for children and families. This is a fast‑paced environment where accuracy, professionalism and teamwork are key. This role is part of the Regional Adoption Agency between Medway and Kent and will be subject to a Medway Council employment contract.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive business support to panel advisers and managers, ensuring panels run smoothly and legally.
• Work confidently under pressure, managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Take accurate, high‑quality minutes for panels and multi‑agency meetings.
• Use and maintain multiple IT systems and databases.
• Create and manage Excel spreadsheets, trackers and templates to monitor actions and deadlines.
• Use tools like Microsoft Copilot to streamline tasks and improve efficiency.
• Deliver a friendly, welcoming service to colleagues and external partners while safeguarding sensitive information.

Qualifications and Skills

• Maths and English GCSE or equivalent.
• Minimum two years experience in a similar role (desirable).
• Resilient and organised, capable of managing time effectively and working under pressure.
• Strong Excel skills (formulas, filters, PivotTables) and experience setting up spreadsheets.
• Confident in taking minutes and producing clear, concise records.
• Comfortable working across multiple IT systems and databases.
• Friendly, approachable and a team player, while also working independently.
• Commitment to confidentiality and data protection.
• Desirable: Experience using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot; previous experience in children services or supporting panels/regulated processes.

Benefits

• Flexible working with an expectation to work 2 days per week from Oakwood House, Maidstone (subject to change).
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Generous local government pension scheme package.
• Access to wider training and development qualifications.
• Flexible working scheme.
• Travel plan discounts.
• MedPay opportunity for pay progression.
• Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service.
• Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers.

Equal Opportunities Commitment

Medway Council is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and is a Disability Confident Employer.

All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.

Contact

For an informal discussion please contact Helen Braine: 03000 414 984 (Safer Recruitment). This post is subject to employment checks in line with safer recruitment and data protection requirements.

Application Notes

When writing your application, identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile. The application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria are not met.

If you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date, you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence will usually be sent via email.