Receptionist in Swindon

This is an administrative role based within the Probation Service (PS) Directorate in HMPPS. The job holder reports to the designated Line Manager and supports the provision of business specific and transactional office-based activities. The job holder works collaboratively with other team members to provide reception duties and a range of administrative support services. The job holder may be expected to support a number of teams/functions within the operational area and is to offer support and cover during periods of absence, for which training will be provided. The job holder must promote diversity and anti‑discriminatory practice in the performance of the post in a way that embraces Equality and values Diversity. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. Core Hours include regular unsocial hours (evenings and/or weekends) as determined by the business need.

To provide an effective and efficient first point of contact with all visitors, telephone callers and undertake administrative functions in accordance with service policy and procedures.

• Serve as the first point of contact for the Probation Service, greeting people on probation and visitors professionally both face to face and via telephone and email, logging their arrival and departure, ensuring the appropriate member of staff is notified and issuing visitor passes and security fobs as necessary.
• Use observation and situational awareness to diffuse potentially violent situations, recognising when additional support is required and being alert to conversations that might indicate a safeguarding or risk issue, and taking appropriate remedial action such as emailing the Probation Practitioner and updating Delius.
• Answer all enquiries while on reception, relating to basic information about the Probation Service and local Person on Probation support services such as the provision of food banks, referring more technical enquiries to an appropriate manager.
• Deal with all logistics for the building, including managing all mail items, ordering PPE and office stationery, meeting room equipment, taking delivery of items and ensuring they reach the right destination, and managing room, hot desk and car parking bookings; support and service meeting rooms, including preparing for events and event registration as required.
• Pay bus fares/travel warrants to people on probation and handle day-to-day petty cash, including collection and transport of petty cash and travel warrants between Probation properties.
• Assist in maintaining Health and Safety and security aspects of the building, including acting as key holder, operating the physical security of the building, testing fire and panic alarms, monitoring CCTV and assisting evacuation measures, and, where necessary, acting as Fire Warden/First Aider and supporting risk assessments if trained.
• Log building faults and incidents and keep a log of maintenance and repairs, escalating issues through the appropriate channels and making decisions on the urgency of the faults to maintain building security; escort contractors and visitors around the building in the absence of the Senior Admin Officer.
• Support the case administration of Person on Probation by providing confidential and high‑level administrative support service to operational teams, including: Process and update computer‑based and manual files and filing systems. Use a range of computer software to provide comprehensive administration support. Produce a range of documentation and correspondence. Access databases for information as necessary and input information as required. Scan and archive data, some of which is sensitive and highly confidential.

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service; pro‑rated for part‑time and job‑share posts.
• Pension: Covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Training: Extensive staff development and training opportunities are available.
• Employee networks: Opportunities to join employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women employees, and LGBTQ+ employees.
• Family‑friendly policies: Opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Flexible benefits: Includes voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• Paid parental leave: Paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide adjustments throughout the recruitment process and the workplace.