At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and manage services with compassion and accuracy.
- Company: Reading Borough Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, life assurance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to making Reading a vibrant place.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference during significant times in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience, strong communication skills, and good IT proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
Are you an organised administrator with excellent customer service skills and a compassionate approach? Do you thrive in a role where accuracy, sensitivity and attention to detail are essential? Reading Borough Council is seeking a Bereavement Services Administrator to join our dedicated Bereavement Services team. This rewarding role supports families, funeral directors and members of the public during some of the most significant and difficult times in their lives.
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 Bereavement Services Administrator, you will play a vital role in ensuring burial, cremation and memorial services are delivered professionally, sensitively and in accordance with all legal requirements. You will provide high-quality administrative support whilst delivering outstanding customer care to families and stakeholders.
Key responsibilities include:
- Processing burial, cremation and memorial applications accurately and efficiently.
- Managing bookings for services, memorials and strewing ceremonies.
- Providing a professional and compassionate reception service.
- Handling enquiries and complaints sensitively and in line with Council procedures.
- Administering the Book of Remembrance and supporting memorial enquiries.
- Undertaking family history and grave record research for members of the public.
- Processing financial transactions, invoicing and banking responsibilities.
- Supporting burial, cremation and strewing services when required.
About you
We are looking for someone who can combine professionalism with empathy and who is committed to delivering an exceptional level of service. You will have:
- Experience working in a customer-facing environment where sensitivity, patience and excellent interpersonal skills are essential.
- Administration experience involving accuracy, confidentiality and meeting deadlines.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and listening skills.
- Good IT skills and confidence using a range of systems.
- A flexible and adaptable approach to work.
- The ability to undertake research and maintain accurate records.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths together with a good standard of education.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
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.
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- 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: Tuesday 15th September 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed
Bereavement Services Administrator in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council offers a supportive and collaborative work environment for the Finance Officer role at Addington School, where you will play a vital part in managing the school's financial resources. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to training opportunities and career progression within the council, all while contributing to the educational success of the community in Woodley, Reading.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bereavement Services Administrator in Reading
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Reading Borough Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Reading Borough Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Bereavement Services Administrator in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Reading Borough Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Reading Borough Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Reading Borough Council.
