Posted in: Administrative and Support Services in Reading | Posted: |
Full Time - Fixed Term for 24 Months
The Registration service sits within the Customer Services function which is focused on improving and transforming how we deliver services to our customers. The Council has recently invested in the Registration service, which is not only a high profile and statutory service that we provide, but it comes with a significant responsibility to deliver a high performing, high quality service that deals with some of the most important life events of our customers, births, marriages, and deaths.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
Reading Registration Service registers around 5,000 births, 2,500 deaths and 300 marriages/civil partnerships every year and no two days are ever the same. We work closely with, and are governed by, the General Register Office, part of HM Passport Office, to deliver the service from the Civic Offices, Reading Town Hall and the Crematorium.
You will be providing essential administrative support to the registration team and play a key part in ensuring the timely registration of births, still-births, deaths and marriages/civil partnerships within the Borough of Reading. You will be dealing with all our key internal and external stakeholders, including HM Coroner, the Royal Berkshire Hospital and GP surgeries as well as the public.
Additionally, you will be trained to issue replacement certificates from the archives based at the Crematorium on All Hallows Road, so the ability to travel within the Borough is essential. We are a busy office dealing with telephone, email and face to face enquiries so you will need to be highly organised, good at prioritising and have excellent attention to detail whilst delivering a first-class customer experience.
You can expect to enjoy a varied workload alongside the opportunity to develop your registration career. You will also be working towards completing a level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship.
Our Apprenticeship scheme provides a perfect way to earn a wage while you gain vital work experience and a nationally recognised qualification. You will be fully supported and mentored through your apprenticeship and be given time off to complete your training.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
About you
You will be confident in dealing with colleagues, external stakeholders and the public and will therefore need to have a polite and professional manner.
Due to the important, legal nature of the role, attention to detail and a high level of accuracy are essential requirements. In addition, good listening and communication skills that demonstrate an ability to deal effectively and compassionately with people from diverse backgrounds is also a key requirement.
You will be a good team player, who can demonstrate a high level of personal accountability, together with a flexible and positive approach.
You will have strong IT and organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work in a busy office environment.
You must be of smart appearance, appropriate for meeting with the public and attendance at all ceremonies.
The ability to travel throughout the Borough is essential and, if applicable, motor insurance must include business use.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
* Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
* A wide range of flexible working opportunities
* Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
* Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
* On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
* Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
* Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
For more information on this position please contact Bobby Bailey, Registration Service Manager.
Closing Date: 28th April 2024
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment