Customer Services Assistant

Customer Services Assistant

Part-Time 20038 £ / year No working from home possible
Newham College London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide top-notch customer service and support to learners, staff, and visitors.
  • Company: Join Newham College, a leading education provider in London with a vibrant community.
  • Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and a chance to make a difference in education.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
  • Why this job: Be the friendly face of the college and help create positive experiences for everyone.
  • Qualifications: Level 2 in English and Maths, plus customer service experience.

About Us: Newham College London, now merged with NewVIc Sixth Form College, is the largest post-16 education provider in Newham. With campuses in East Ham, Stratford, Plaistow, and the London City Institute of Technology (LCIoT) in Canning Town, we serve over 11,000 students across a range of pathways – including 16–18 study, adult education, apprenticeships, and higher education. With over 800 staff, four main campuses, and an annual turnover of £60 million, Newham College is one of the borough’s largest employers and plays a key role in driving local economic and community development.

The Role: We are looking for a friendly, professional and customer-focused individual to join our team as a Customer Services Assistant. You will provide a high-quality front of house service, acting as a key point of contact for learners, staff and visitors across the College. The role involves delivering professional, welcoming and efficient customer service in person, over the phone and via email, helping ensure a positive experience across all interactions. This is a part-time role working 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with fixed working hours of 8.30am – 1.30pm. These working hours are a core requirement of the role and are non-negotiable. The role will have a designated main campus base; however, you will also be required to travel and work across multiple College campuses and centres to provide operational support where needed.

Key responsibilities:

  • Deliver front of house reception services, including evening and occasional weekend cover on a rota basis
  • Welcome and assist learners, visitors, and staff, providing accurate information, advice, and support
  • Manage enquiries via telephone, email, and face-to-face, ensuring responses meet service standards
  • Maintain visitor procedures, including sign-in, issuing badges, and communicating safeguarding and health & safety information
  • Respond to enquiries in a timely and professional manner, including monitoring shared inboxes
  • Provide up-to-date information on courses, enrolment, and eligibility criteria
  • Support enrolment periods and college-wide activities and events
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of reception processes and customer service delivery
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues while using initiative to resolve queries and escalate issues when needed
  • Ensure compliance with college policies, including safeguarding, health & safety, IT use, and equality standards

Our Ideal candidate should have the following qualifications, skills and experience:

  • Minimum Level 2 (or equivalent) in English and Maths
  • Previous experience in a customer service, reception, or administrative role
  • Experience managing a high volume of enquiries across multiple channels (phone, email, and in person)
  • Understanding of delivering high standards of professional customer care
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Confident user of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to quickly learn and communicate new information clearly

Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults: In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, all employment offers are subject to employment checks. These include (some of which are dependent on the role and the individual): Enhanced DBS including Children’s Barred List check, DfE teaching/management Barred List check, online searches, overseas criminal record check, evidence of identity and Right to Work in the UK, satisfactory references, confirmation of medical fitness, evidence of relevant qualifications and a check of previous employment history. The College is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all learners and expects its staff to share this commitment. You will be required to become familiar with the College's policies, and comply with the requirements to safeguard and protect the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are asked to complete mandatory training in relation to KCSIE and other key areas, and to read the relevant policies.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: The College has a strong commitment to working towards the implementation of equality of opportunity in both service delivery and employment. The College’s mission and strategic objectives directly support this aim. All employees are required to actively support the development, dissemination and implementation of this aim and related policies and programmes.

Recruitment Process: The email account you use to apply will be used for all recruitment communication. Please ensure that you use an email account that you regularly monitor. All application forms must be fully completed, including a full record of education and employment history. Incomplete applications will not be considered for shortlisting. The salary for this position is inclusive of London weighting. Please note that we advertise our salaries on a range to indicate the trajectory of progression that can be made. Appointments are usually made at the start of the salary range. We regret that we are unable to respond to every application. Therefore, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful.

Closing Date: 14/06/2026

Interview Date: TBC

Customer Services Assistant employer: Newham College London

Newham College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises professional development and community engagement. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from a supportive environment that fosters growth and collaboration across multiple campuses in the heart of Newham. Join us as a Customer Services Assistant and be part of a dedicated team that plays a vital role in shaping the educational journey of over 11,000 students.

Newham College London

Contact Details:

Newham College London Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Customer Services Assistant

Tip Number 1

Get to know the college! Research Newham College and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.

Tip Number 2

Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios you might face as a Customer Services Assistant and role-play responses. This will boost your confidence and prepare you for real-life situations.

Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the college culture and even tips on the interview process. Plus, it shows initiative!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest updates and opportunities directly from us.

We think you need these skills to ace Customer Services Assistant

Customer Service
Communication Skills
Reception Services
Enquiry Management
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Problem-Solving Skills
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how your experiences make you a great fit.

Follow the Instructions:Make sure to read the job description carefully and follow all application instructions. We’re looking for attention to detail, so ensure you complete every section of the application form fully.

Highlight Relevant Experience:Show us your customer service skills! Whether it’s from previous jobs or volunteer work, highlight any experience that demonstrates your ability to provide excellent service and handle enquiries effectively.

Check Your Communication:Since communication is key in this role, make sure your written application is clear and professional. Double-check for any typos or errors before hitting submit – we want to see your best work!

How to prepare for a job interview at Newham College London

Know the College Inside Out

Before your interview, take some time to research Newham College London. Familiarise yourself with its campuses, the courses offered, and its commitment to community development. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the institution.

Showcase Your Customer Service Skills

As a Customer Services Assistant, you'll need to highlight your previous experience in customer service roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've handled enquiries, resolved issues, or provided exceptional service. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Practice Professional Communication

Since the role involves interacting with learners, staff, and visitors, practice your verbal and written communication skills. Be ready to answer questions clearly and concisely, and consider how you would respond to common customer queries. This will show that you're prepared for the fast-paced environment.

Emphasise Teamwork and Initiative

The job requires collaboration with colleagues and the ability to work independently. Think of examples where you've successfully worked as part of a team or taken the initiative to solve a problem. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate that you can thrive in the college's dynamic setting.