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- Tasks: Register births, deaths, and marriages while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working options, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Experience a varied workload and make a real impact in people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential; training provided for the right candidate.
- Other info: Some weekend work required; must have own transport for travel throughout the Borough.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The primary base for this role will be the Civic Offices, but we also provide services at the Reading Museum and Town Hall and from the Archives, based at the Crematorium office in Caversham. Please note that this position does not offer remote or home working options at this time.
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
Reading Registration Service registers around 5,000 births, 2,500 deaths and 400 marriages every year and no two days are ever the same. We work closely with, and are governed by, the General Register Office, part of HM Passport Office, to deliver the service from the Civic Offices. You will be responsible for the timely registration of births, still-births, deaths and marriages within the Borough of Reading and will meet daily with the public to gain the information required by law. As a Deputy Registrar you will deputise for the Principal Officers registering births, still-births and deaths, issuing and accounting for secure certificate stock, issuing burial and cremation documents and taking payments. We are a busy office so you will need to be highly organised, good at prioritising and have excellent attention to detail whilst delivering a first-class customer experience.
You will report into the Operations Manager, who may assign other duties such as taking notices of marriage and civil partnership, registering marriages, copy certificate production and other general administrative tasks. You can therefore expect to enjoy a varied workload alongside the opportunity to develop your registration career. The Service is serious about investing in its staff and is currently supporting a candidate through the National Accredited Programme for Registrars.
About you
You will be experienced in dealing with the public both face-to-face, by email and over the telephone. You will have experience of working with a variety of stakeholder organisations and can demonstrate a confident, polite, and professional manner. Previous experience of registration would be an advantage, but full training will be provided for the right candidate.
Due to the important, legal nature of the role, attention to detail and a high level of accuracy are essential requirements. In addition, good listening and communication skills that demonstrate an ability to deal effectively and compassionately with people from diverse backgrounds is also a key requirement.
You will be a good team player, who can demonstrate a high level of personal accountability, together with a flexible and positive approach. The following will also help you hit the ground running:
• You will have strong IT and organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work in a busy office environment.
• We expect to see a good general standard of education, preferably at level 3 or equivalent.
• You must be of smart appearance, appropriate for meeting with the public and attendance at all ceremonies
• The ability to travel throughout the Borough is essential so you must have your own transport and, if applicable, motor insurance must include business use.
Some weekend work is necessary, including attendance at marriages / civil partnerships at other approved premises. This is rota based.
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
Closing Date: Wednesday 6th August 2025
Interview Date: w/c 18th August 2025
Interview Process: Short handwritten test followed by a competency based interview
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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Deputy Registrar & Administrative Assistant employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Registrar & Administrative Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the registration process for births, deaths, and marriages in the UK. Understanding the legal requirements and procedures will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills by engaging with diverse groups of people. This could be through volunteering or community work, which will help you showcase your ability to handle sensitive situations with compassion and professionalism.
✨Tip Number 3
Get comfortable with IT systems commonly used in administrative roles. Familiarity with software for managing records and payments can set you apart, showing that you're ready to hit the ground running in a busy office environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your organisational skills and how you prioritise tasks in a fast-paced setting. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple responsibilities, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Registrar & Administrative Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer service and administrative roles. Emphasise any previous work with public-facing duties and your ability to handle sensitive information.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention your understanding of the responsibilities, such as registering births and marriages, and how your skills align with their requirements.
Showcase Attention to Detail: Given the legal nature of the role, it's crucial to demonstrate your attention to detail. Use specific examples from your past experiences where accuracy was key, and explain how you ensured high standards in your work.
Prepare for the Interview: Since the interview includes a handwritten test, practice writing clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss your experience with diverse stakeholders and how you handle challenging situations with compassion and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Deputy Registrar. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties, such as registering births and deaths, and providing excellent customer service.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the legal nature of the role, it's crucial to showcase your attention to detail during the interview. You might be asked about past experiences where accuracy was essential, so think of examples that highlight your meticulousness.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves dealing with the public, be ready to demonstrate your communication skills. Practice answering questions clearly and compassionately, especially regarding sensitive topics like death and marriage.
✨Prepare for the Handwritten Test
Since there will be a handwritten test as part of the interview process, practice writing clearly and concisely. This will help you feel more confident and ensure that your handwriting is legible, which is important for the role.