Minute Taker - Children’s Services in Plymouth

Hours: 37 hours per week Monday–Friday / 09:00am–17:00pm

Hybrid working (minimum 1 day per week in PL1 office; more during training)

Assignment: 12‑month temporary assignment starting January 2026

Location: Ballard House, PL1

Pay rate: £13.90 per hour

Start Date: 26th January 2026

Pertemps are recruiting for a highly organised and detail‑focused Minute Taker to support statutory Children’s Services meetings, including child protection case conferences and complex strategy meetings. This role is vital in ensuring accurate, timely and professional documentation of sensitive discussions that support the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

About the Role

You will be responsible for producing accurate, high‑quality, non‑verbatim minutes for a range of statutory meetings within strict departmental timescales. Working closely with Independent Chairs, you will help ensure that child protection plans are updated during meetings, information is recorded securely, and documentation is clear, concise and suitable for families and professionals. This role requires excellent concentration, strong written skills, and the ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

Key Responsibilities

• Take minutes for child protection case conferences, strategy meetings and other statutory CYP meetings.
• Summarise complex discussions accurately to produce high‑quality minutes within required timescales.
• Support Independent Chairs in creating and updating written child protection plans during meetings.
• Ensure appropriate abridged versions of minutes are produced for young people and family members.
• Record meeting attendance accurately, including contact details.
• Handle sensitive information securely during and after meetings.
• Input minute‑related data accurately into IT systems.
• Contribute ideas to improve service efficiency, customer experience and best practice.
• Carry out other duties appropriate to the grade.

Desirable Knowledge & Experience

• Basic understanding of relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Aware of Children, Young People and Families services.
• Broad understanding of safeguarding issues.
• Experience providing business support within statutory children’s services.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Confident using Microsoft Office and web‑based systems.
• Demonstrable administrative experience and understanding of office procedures.
• Experience delivering effective customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience working as part of a team.
• Previous minute‑taking or note‑taking experience.
• Ability to identify key points in discussions and summarise them clearly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with service users and professionals.
• Ability to maintain concentration during lengthy or complex meetings.
• Emotional resilience and ability to seek support when dealing with distressing information.
• Strong literacy skills, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Effective teamworking skills.
• Strong time‑management and punctuality, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Essential Qualifications & Knowledge

• GCSEs A*–C / 9–4 (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification/experience in business support.
• Strong knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and development.

Call Emily on 01752 601116 for more information or click 'Apply Now' to submit your application today!

Please note: Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you haven't heard from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion—but do keep an eye out for future roles with Pertemps!