Administration Officer in North East

Are you an organised and proactive administrator who is passionate about supporting learners to achieve their potential? Join DurhamLearn and become part of a dedicated team that helps transform lives through learning. At DurhamLearn, we work with local communities, voluntary organisations, employers and public health partners to provide accessible, high-quality learning opportunities across County Durham.

With courses delivered in more than 100 local venues, we offer opportunities for personal development, health and wellbeing, and skills and qualifications that help people progress into further education and employment. Our commitment to excellence was recognised when Ofsted graded our provision as 'Good' in June 2023.

This role offers the opportunity to work across different locations, supporting our learners and colleagues while helping to deliver an outstanding service across County Durham. Your administrative base will be Crook Civic Centre. However, this is a varied role and regular travel will be required to Chester-le-Street, where DurhamLearn's SEND courses are delivered. This is a temporary position until 31/07/27.

By joining DurhamLearn, you'll become part of a supportive team committed to improving lives through education. Every day, you'll contribute to creating positive opportunities for learners and helping our communities thrive.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

We are looking for an enthusiastic Administration Assistant to support our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Team. Working closely with the SEND team on a day-to-day basis, you'll play an important role in ensuring learners receive a high-quality learning experience. You'll use your knowledge of SEND and safeguarding to support administrative processes, identify when action is required, and contribute to the smooth running of the programme. Guided by the SEND Programme Lead, you'll help deliver an efficient and supportive service that makes a real difference to learners across County Durham.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Organised, reliable and able to manage a varied workload.
• A confident communicator with excellent administrative skills.
• Committed to providing high-quality support and customer service.
• Passionate about helping people succeed through learning.

Experience of working within a SEND or additional needs educational environment would be an advantage, but is not essential. We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate transferable skills and a commitment to supporting learners.

We encourage you to contact Lorraine Pirt | Lorraine.Pirt@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

• NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration (or an equivalent qualification).
• English and Maths at Level 2 or GCSE (or equivalent).

Please ensure you have copies of your original qualification certificates, as successful applicants will be required to provide these as part of our pre-employment checks. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full essential and desirable criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Standard DBS Disclosure.

INTERVIEWS

It is expected interviews will take place on 20th or 21st August 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

• Attractive salaries
• A generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service)
• Membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme
• A range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.