At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide operational and administrative support to ensure smooth academy operations.
- Company: Join Northern Education Trust, a leading charitable education Trust in the North of England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Flexible working requests considered; commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, and versatile with strong administrative skills.
The predicted salary is between 28608 - 29542 £ per year.
Contract Type: Fixed term, to commence February 2027 until March 2028
Salary Range: SCP 10 – SCP 12 (£28,608 - £29,542 FTE)
Working Type: Full Time [ 37 hours / 52 weeks ]
Base: Red House Academy, Rutherglen Road, Sunderland, SR5 5LN
Please note: the post holder will be engaging in regulated activity, working mainly or wholly with children. This position is exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Northern Education Trust (NET) is a charitable education Trust with a good track record for school improvement. The Trust sponsors 30 academies; 17 secondary and 13 primaries across the North of England in fourteen Local Authority regions.
Northern Education Trust is seeking an organised, proactive, and versatile Business Services Assistant to provide operational and administrative support across the academy. In this varied role, you will work closely with the Business Manager to ensure the efficient running of academy operations, supporting administrative functions, HR procedures, finance processes, health and safety monitoring, and data management systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administrative Support: Maintain paper and electronic filing systems, minute confidential meetings, and coordinate transport, travel, accommodation, training events, and community lettings.
- HR & Recruitment: Liaise with Central HR and external advertising agencies, prepare shortlisting packs, issue interview invitations, process new appointments and contract changes using standard templates, and track staff absences and occupational health referrals.
- Data & Systems Administration: Maintain accurate employee data, respond to day-to-day HR, payroll, and expense queries, and support data dashboard reporting (including Hays training, business continuity, risk management, and incident reporting).
- Compliance & Safeguarding: Maintain the Single Central Record (SCR), process DBS checks for staff, volunteers, and visitors, and strictly adhere to GDPR regulations and Trust policies.
- Finance & Operations: Assist with procurement to secure best value for money under Financial Regulations, support internal/external audits, process insurance claims via the Trust broker, and assist site staff with health and safety reporting.
Northern Education Trust offers:
- The opportunity to work and progress across the family of schools, should you wish in the future;
- The chance to apply for leadership roles in the Deeps structure taking on a whole school leadership project;
- The support and expertise of Director of Subjects.
- A full and detailed programme of support and development for all;
- A further comprehensive programme of professional development, including leadership, provided through the NET Inspire.
Employee benefits:
In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the interview process. The Trust is committed to considering flexible working requests. The Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All posts are subject to enhanced disclosure and barring service checks. We expect all adults to share our commitment to safeguarding and the health and wellbeing of our pupils.
In order to apply for this position, please visit: Application Link
For more information, please contact Lauren Hall, Business Manager, l.hall@northerneducationtrust.org
Closing date: Midday, Sunday 29th November 2026.
Business Services Assistant in Sunderland employer: Northern Education Trust
Freebrough Academy, as part of Northern Education Trust, is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, staff are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to a nurturing educational environment in the beautiful coastal town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. The academy offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and the community.
