Business Support Assistant

Surrey County Council

Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4BB£18,422.67 per annum (pro rata to £27,634 FTE)Permanent24 hours per weekCloses: 2026-06-30
Job Introduction We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all. This permanent role has a starting salary of £18,422.67 per annum , based on a 24 hour working week. The full time equivalent salary is £27,634 per annum. We have a great opportunity to join our West 1 Area team as a Business Support Assistant, based at Milmead House, Guildford. We support hybrid working with the right balance and come together in person for 2-3 days per week on average and support working from home the rest of the time. Our Offer to You 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave A generous local government salary related pension Up to 5 days of carer’s leaveand 2 paid volunteering days per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents. About the Role This is an exciting new opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking Area Hub, designed to deliver integrated and responsive support to adults across Surrey. As a Business Support Assistant, you will be at the heart of this new way of working, helping to shape and support the delivery of vital services within Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships. Your day-to-day responsibilities will be varied and dynamic, offering a mix of routine and ad hoc tasks that contribute directly to the smooth running of the hub. You will: Be the first point of contact for internal and external enquiries, both on the telephone and in the office, providing a professional and empathetic response and ensuring queries are directed appropriately Maintain and update systems and databases, ensuring accurate records are kept supporting service delivery and reporting Prepare and send out correspondence, reports, and documentation to support operational and management teams Coordinate meetings and appointments, including diary management, room bookings, and preparation of materials Support resource management, following ordering procedures to ensure the hub has the supplies and tools needed to operate effectively Work collaboratively across teams, adapting to changing priorities and supporting colleagues in a flexible and agile way Contribute to service improvement, identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the quality of administrative support. This role offers a unique chance to be part of a newly formed team, where your input and adaptability will help shape the future of mental health support in Surrey. You'll be working in a fast-paced environment that values teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to making a difference. Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours: Proven ability to work in a busy office environment, managing competing priorities effectively Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues and customers Competence in using a range of IT tools and systems, including databases and Microsoft Office applications Excellent organisational skills and ability to maintain accurate records and handle enquiries, with an understanding of confidentiality and data protection principles Willingness and ability to travel across service sites as required. To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions: What interests you about this role and how do you see yourself contributing to its success? Describe a time when you had to manage competing priorities in a busy environment. How did you ensure tasks were completed effectively and on time? How do you ensure confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information or enquiries? This role involves handling a high volume of incoming calls and providing excellent customer service. Can you describe your previous experience in managing phone calls, including the types of calls you handled and any tools or systems you used? Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. Contact Us Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Sue Callen or Kate Penfold by e-mail at suzanne.callen@surreycc.gov.uk / kate.penfold@surreycc.gov.uk . The job advert closes at 23:59 on 15/03/2026 with interviews taking place on the 23rd March 2026. We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council Our Commitment We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.