SEND Business Support Officer

The SEND Business Support Team provides comprehensive business support across all areas of the SEND Service, which sits within the Children and Familes directorate. We currently have a vacancy for an experienced, motivated and committed Business Support Officer to join our supportive, hardworking and friendly team and provide high level administrative support to our EHC Team and across the wider SEND service area as required. The main tasks for this role include the following:

• Acting as the first point of contact for incoming telephone and e-mail queries from parents and carers, schools and multi agency professionals.
• Managing various inbox’s and processing incoming documentation with a high level of accuracy whilst adhering to statutory timescales.
• Working with large volumes of data, daily entry and updating of information on a bespoke database (for which training will be provided).
• Providing comprehensive administrative support for weekly SEND panels and other meetings, including preparation of agendas, note taking and co-ordinating follow up actions.
• Assisting with payments to schools and other education providers., Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process. You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this . Our are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack. For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: Fiona Ridgway at or call 0300 300 6136 Safeguarding: Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers and contractors to share this commitment. This post is subject to the disclosure of criminal records. To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council’s policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline. Your application to us is a reflection of who you are professionally and should give us an accurate and authentic picture of your skills, experiences and if applicable qualifications. Before you submit your application, we will ask you to confirm if you have used AI. All new starters will join us on a four-month probationary period. During this time, if you are offered a Hybrid role you will be required to attend a Central Bedfordshire Council office location more frequently to support thorough and well-supported onboarding into your role. Please keep this in mind if you anticipate extensive travel to Central Bedfordshire. Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the contract offered. Free information, advice and guidance into work or learning provides free, impartial, information advice and guidance to those aged 16+ looking to get into work, learning or exploring a change of career.

Our successful candidate will bring the following experience, skills and behaviours to the role:

• Previous experience in a business support role is essential, previous experience of working in an education or local government area is desirable.
• High level organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to remain calm, focused and effective in a busy and demanding environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, an empathetic manner and a commitment to providing excellent customer care at all times.
• Solid IT skills with experience in a range of Microsoft Office applications, including the use of complex spreadsheets and database processeses.
• The ability to manage large volumes of information, ensuring data is entered accurately and within timescales whilst maintaining compliance with GDPR requirements.
• Experience in organising and supporting meetings, including agenda preparation, minute taking and co-ordinating follow up actions.
• Experience in financial administration is desirable.