Business Support Assistant in Gateshead

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.

Make a difference behind the scenes - supporting children, families, and frontline services every day. You will be joining a busy, award-winning Children's Social Care and Lifelong Learning service at Gateshead Council, an organisation committed to ensuring children and families are at the heart of everything it does. The service is ambitious, innovative, and nationally recognised for its impact, with a strong focus on trauma-informed and inclusive practice. You will work as part of a supportive, collaborative environment where business support teams are co-located, enabling strong peer support and shared learning. The team plays a vital role in supporting front-line social care services, helping to deliver effective, integrated support to some of the most vulnerable children and families in the community.

Part time - 25 hours per week

What You Will Get to Do

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to Children’s Social Care teams, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
• Act as a first point of contact, handling telephone calls, enquiries, and visitors, often dealing with complex or sensitive situations.
• Maintain accurate manual and electronic records, inputting and retrieving information from case management systems in line with service standards and timescales.
• Organise and support meetings, including preparing documentation and taking accurate minutes (virtual and face-to-face).
• Carry out administrative tasks such as typing, formatting documents, managing mail, photocopying, and scanning.
• Support operational delivery by assisting with duty/triage functions and coordinating rotas for front-line services where required.
• Manage financial processes, including petty cash, purchase orders, payments, and invoices using financial systems.
• Undertake audits, collate and analyse data, and produce reports to support performance management.
• Carry out additional duties appropriate to the role and grade as required.

What You Will Bring

• An NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, or willingness to work towards this, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong administrative knowledge and experience of clerical systems and processes, including maintaining accurate records.
• Proven ability to prioritise workload, work independently and as part of a team, and meet tight or competing deadlines.
• Experience using IT systems and databases, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication, organisational, and customer service skills, with the ability to handle sensitive or complex enquiries.
• Experience of developing or maintaining manual and computerised systems, with strong attention to detail and confidentiality awareness.
• A flexible, proactive approach with a commitment to learning, adapting to change, and delivering high-quality support in a fast-paced environment.

What's in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days. Pro rata for part time hours.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.