At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital support to help residents live safely and independently in their homes.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a Disability Confident Employer committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, customer service experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
The predicted salary is between 29071 - 32046 £ per year.
We are looking for a motivated Business Support Officer to join our Housing Adaptations & Grants Team, providing vital technical and administrative support to help deliver services that support residents to live safely and independently in their homes. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
As a Business Support Officer, you will be at the heart of the Housing Adaptations & Grants Team, providing a wide range of administrative, financial and customer service support. You will be responsible for handling enquiries, processing applications, maintaining accurate records, supporting financial processes and ensuring the smooth operation of key business systems. This varied role requires excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to provide a professional service to customers, colleagues and external partners.
What You'll Do
- Respond to customer enquiries received by telephone, email and letter, providing information and support or directing enquiries appropriately.
- Input customer requests and service information accurately into databases and electronic systems.
- Process applications and correspondence in line with procedures and service standards.
- Generate reports to support Freedom of Information requests, service monitoring and statistical returns.
- Manage service mailboxes and ensure enquiries are directed and actioned efficiently.
- Maintain accurate records and undertake database housekeeping activities to ensure data quality.
- Process invoices, raise purchase orders and support financial administration within the service.
- Arrange meetings, prepare agendas and take accurate notes and minutes where required.
- Support the maintenance of service information on the Council website.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to support efficient service delivery.
About you
We are looking for someone who thrives in a busy administrative role and is committed to delivering excellent customer service. You will have:
- A good standard of general education.
- Strong literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
- Experience of working with customers, colleagues and external organisations in a professional environment.
- Experience of providing administrative support within a team setting.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, and experience using databases.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong customer service skills, including the ability to deal confidently and professionally with challenging situations.
- The ability to work independently, use initiative and adapt to changing priorities.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Carla.Thomas-Bellamy@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: Wednesday 4th November 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed
Business Support Officer (Housing Adaptations & Grants Team employer: Reading Borough Council
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