About Us North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community. The Role We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Business Support Officer to join our Safeguarding Children Partnership. The NSSCP are responsible for ensuring the safety of children and their families in North Somerset. We coordinate work to promote the welfare of children and to ensure the effectiveness of what the member organisations do individually and together in the local area In this role, you will; work as a member of the NSSCP providing practical, business and administrative support to the Business Manager. In the role you will act as the point of contact for the Business Unit and deal with enquiries and information requests. This will include telephone and email communication, answering general enquiries, undertaking administration tasks and responding to requests from council and partner organisations. The post holder will work under the direction of the Business Manager and will be expected to work with a high level of personal initiative. Key Responsibilities: Provide a wide and varied range of administrative tasks to assigned projects ensuring written reports are compiled, support is provided, and records are accurate. Prepare agendas and supporting papers for meetings with the instruction of the Business Manager; set the annual diary for the NSSCP and subgroups, book venues, send invitations, take minutes, record actions and chase responses. Provide administrative support for child safeguarding practice reviews (CSPRs) and other statutory processes. Support with financial tasks. For example, to raise/receipt purchase orders, process invoices and obtain supplier set up information. Assist in the collection, processing and presentation of data required for management information. Sensitively handle confidential information ensuring risks are escalated appropriately. This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role. This position is currently based at the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare or within North Somerset. Work Style At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way: Flexible Worker 2-3 days in the office Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand. Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration. Mobile/Field Worker 0-1 day in the office Includes field workers who primarily work remotely. Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go. About You We are looking for an individual who is passionate about safeguarding children and who possesses the following skills and experience: Essential Criteria: A minimum qualification of 3 grade C’s at GCSE (or equivalent qualification) including English and mathematics, or you will be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of skill. A high level of written and verbal communication skills, presenting information clearly and confidently. Ability to communicate effectively with all multi-agency partners, colleagues and service users. Organisational skills to complete and prioritise tasks and work within required timescales, achieving deadlines and targets whilst demonstrating attention to detail. Proficient IT knowledge and its practical application with previous demonstrable experience of using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Teams) and maintaining computerised record systems. Desirable Criteria: Experience in working in an environment related to children’s safeguarding or within a similar role. Hold a qualification in IT or word processing. What We Offer At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer: Competitive salary and benefits Flexible working arrangements Local Government Pension Opportunities for professional development Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet. How to Apply If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role. Contact Information For further information about the role, please contact Zoe Gartland, NSSCP Business Manager at zoe.gartlandn-somerset.gov.uk or 07385017560 Important Information As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role. Interview Date: 10 th April 2025 Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK. Equal Opportunities At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.