At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Green Spaces and Planning services with financial management and administrative tasks.
- Company: Join a vibrant community-focused council in Kingston, London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-32 days annual leave, hybrid working, and discounts at local shops.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong ICT skills and a collaborative spirit are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Borough
Found in zone 6 with good transport links in and out of London, Kingston is a vibrant and diverse university town that creates a rich sense of community shared across the borough and its residents.
Kingston boasts an idyllic riverside location, good shopping and great restaurants, as well as a mix of modern and historic town centre.
It has lots of open parklands and cycle routes that help connect the district town centres into an enjoyable place to live and work.
We are passionate about working closely with our residents and vulnerable groups to help them maintain their independence and create a balance between support and independent living.
About The Role
We currently have two vacancies for full-time Business Support Officers supporting our Green Spaces and Planning services. These roles are both fixed-term contracts for one year.
Responsibilities
Green Spaces
Financial management (processing invoices, purchase orders, and suppliers), managing service requests with contractors, overseeing team inbox communications, and providing meeting administrative support.
Planning
Inbox management, administering planning appeals, advising the public and applicants on application processes, and organising documentation for Planning Committees.
- Candidate Profile
- Collaborative team player with exceptional ICT skills.
- Confidence to master new systems quickly.
- Commitment to excellence in a busy setting.
Benefits
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 25-32 days, plus bank holidays (pro‑rata if part‑time).
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependants leave.
- Three volunteering days per year in Kingston.
- Hybrid working (dependent on the role).
- Flexible and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks.
- Learning and development portal offering a range of courses.
- Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres.
- Interest‑free season ticket loans.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme.
- Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support.
- London Living Wage entitlement for all employees.
- Diversity and Inclusion
We are a disability confident employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for a role.
All applications are anonymised to reduce bias and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
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Contact Details:
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Officer
✨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 Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, 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 Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames 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 Business Support Officer
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 Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames 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 Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, 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 Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.
