At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic support to senior leaders and help deliver excellent community service.
- Company: Join the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, flexible working, and a Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for job-share or part-time arrangements; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while growing professionally in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in business support, strong communication skills, and high IT proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 33699 - 38220 £ per year.
Benefits
- Salary: £33,699 – £38,220 per annum, Grade 4
- Hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week
- Location: Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading
- Excellent annual leave allowance of 28 days pro rata, flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available
About the role
Working in Business Support within the fire service means stepping into a role where your skills make a difference every single day. Working as part of a team, you will be providing strategic support to the Senior Leadership Team and Directors, working across a variety of service areas to help deliver excellent service to the community of Berkshire. It’s a chance to combine purpose with professional growth—bringing your organisational talent, problem‑solving mindset, and people‑focused approach to an environment that values integrity, teamwork, and innovation. If you’re looking for a role where your contribution truly matters and your work supports a safer future for everyone, this is the place to make your impact.
About you
You are an organised and proactive professional with significant experience providing high‑quality business support within a fast‑paced, professional environment. Confident in supporting senior leaders, you bring excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and sensitive information with discretion and integrity. You thrive on managing priorities, handling sensitive information with discretion, and delivering high‑quality, detail‑focused support across governance, projects and events, always with a strong customer focus and a collaborative approach.
Key responsibilities and deliverables
- Provide effective support to assigned members of the Senior Leadership Team, manage diaries and respond to correspondence.
- Minute meetings or take action and decision log notes.
- Ensure confidentiality, professional integrity and discretion is maintained at all times.
- Carry out systems‑based work (data entry, interrogation, and assurance).
- Operate in a highly political and sensitive environment and champion political awareness.
Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience)
- Significant experience of working in an office environment, providing a business support function.
- Ability to communicate to a high standard in writing and producing documents in a range of formats.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally with a high level of interpersonal skills.
- Experience of providing senior management support.
- High level of IT skills, using full Microsoft packages.
Our commitments
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work. Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too. Applications are welcome for job‑share or part‑time arrangements please enquire on application. All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.
Business Support Officer – Fixed Term 6 Months in Reading employer: Networking Women in the Fire Service
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. Located in Calcot, Reading, the organisation offers a supportive work culture with flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and access to an onsite gym, all while contributing to the safety and welfare of the community. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, ensuring a fulfilling and impactful career in public service.
Contact Details:
Networking Women in the Fire Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Officer – Fixed Term 6 Months in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working in the fire service or similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills can contribute to their goals. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to make an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s answering common interview questions or discussing your experience, being clear and confident will help you stand out. Remember, they want to see your personality too!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Officer – Fixed Term 6 Months in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Business Support Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since communication is key in this role, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Use proper grammar and structure to demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality documents, just like you would in the job.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any previous experience in business support or similar roles. Share specific examples of how you've managed competing priorities or supported senior leaders, as this will resonate with us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Networking Women in the Fire Service
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Business Support Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how your skills align with them. This will help you articulate your experience and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires excellent organisational abilities, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities in the past. Be ready to discuss specific situations where your proactive approach made a positive impact on your team or organisation.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Effective communication is crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to rehearse common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you can express your ideas well during the actual interview.
✨Emphasise Your Discretion and Integrity
Given the sensitive nature of the information you'll be handling, it's important to highlight your ability to maintain confidentiality. Prepare to share examples of how you've dealt with sensitive information in previous roles, showcasing your integrity and professionalism.
