Business Support Officer Level 1

Qualifications: Level 2 in English and Maths This role is exciting for Manchester City Council (MCC) because it plays a transformative role in the lives of residents and the wider community. This role vital in ensuring the education provision designed to upskill and enhance the lives of Manchester citizens are run smoothly, are impactful and inclusive. If you’re successful you’ll join a team of dedicated professionals responsible for delivering a high quality and impactful service that transforms’ lives. The role of Business Support Officer is central to everything we do at MAES. Its is a key point of contact for many teams, partners, stakeholders and the residents. The role often involves a wide range of tasks-from managing correspondence and scheduling meetings to supporting project delivery and maintaining records as well as leading on exams. This variety keeps the work dynamic and engaging. The role requires quick thinking and creative solutions to logistical or operational challenges. As well as implementing new systems and processes, making them key players in driving innovation. In essence, the Business Support Officer role is a backbone function that enables MAES to deliver on its mission: raising aspirations, improving skills, and connecting adults to their potential, community, and future. The BSO’s work behind the scenes ensures that learners receive the best possible experience and support., We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition
• If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly., In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be .
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
• Proof of Manchester Residency: For some roles, you may need to demonstrate that you reside within the boundaries of Manchester City Council.
• Police Vetting: Some roles may require police vetting to ensure suitability for accessing sensitive law enforcement systems or information.
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance: BPSS clearance is primarily used for roles that involve access to government data, systems, or assets. It ensures that individuals meet basic security requirements and can be trusted with sensitive information
• Driving Licence: If the role requires driving, we’ll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

• Excellent communication skills - clear, concise, and customer-focused.
• Strong IT proficiency - especially in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and internal systems.
• Keyboard and touch-typing skills - high speed and accuracy.
• Planning and organising - ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving - able to interpret guidelines and escalate appropriately.
• Attention to detail - accurate documentation and data entry.
• Commitment to continuous self-development and service improvement

Behavioural

• Teamwork - working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Customer Service - putting internal and external customers at the heart of service delivery.
• Delivery - commitment to high-quality, timely support.
• Change - adaptable and open to service improvements.
• Pride in Manchester - demonstrating commitment to the city and its communities and a Commitment to uphold MAES values and vision

other

• Manchester residency (for Grade 1-3 roles).
• DBS clearance - Standard Disclosure required.
• Emotional resilience - especially when dealing with sensitive or distressing information.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in service delivery and employment

The experience below would be beneficial but is not essential:

Desirable requirements that would be useful in this role:

• Experience in a fast-paced administrative environment, ideally within local government or public services.
• Knowledge of Manchester City Council systems and procedures, including finance, HR, or case management platform

• Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
• Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
• A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job - it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city - a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things