Job Description

Join our Adoption Panel Team and play a vital role in supporting safe, timely decision-making for children and families. This is a fast-paced environment where accuracy, professionalism and teamwork are key.


This role is part of the Regional Adoption Agency between Medway and Kent, and this postholder will be subject to a Medway Council employment contract.



You will:

Provide proactive business support to panel advisers and managers, ensuring panels run smoothly and legally. Work confidently under pressure, managing competing priorities and deadlines. Take accurate, high-quality minutes for panels and multi-agency meetings. Use and maintain multiple IT systems and databases Create and manage Excel spreadsheets, trackers and templates to monitor actions and deadlines. Use tools like Microsoft Copilot to streamline tasks and improve efficiency. Deliver a friendly, welcoming service to colleagues and external partners while safeguarding sensitive information.

Maths and English GCSE or equivalent is essential and min of two years experience in a similar role is desirable.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

Is resilient and organised, able to manage time effectively and work under pressure. Has strong Excel skills (formulas, filters, PivotTables) and experience setting up spreadsheets. Can confidently take minutes and produce clear, concise records. Is comfortable working across multiple IT systems and databases. Is friendly, approachable and a team player, while also working independently. Has a commitment to confidentiality and data protection.



Desirable:

Experience using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot. Previous experience in children's services or supporting panels/regulated processes.



Why Join Us?

- Flexible working with an expectation to work 2 days per week from Oakwood House, Maidstone - Subject to change

Supportive team culture and opportunities to learn and develop. Make a real difference to children and families by supporting critical decision-making. Medway Council is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and is a Disability Confident Employer.

For an informal discussion please contact Helen Braine

03000 414 984

Safer Recruitment

This post is subject to employment checks in line with safer recruitment and data protection requirements.

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In return we offer you

Generous annual leave entitlement Generous local government pension scheme package Access to wider training and development qualifications Flexible working scheme Travel plan discounts MedPay - opportunity for pay progression Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers The Government has introduced new ways of supporting parents with childcare costs. Further details are available here: - https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
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Career Progression Framework

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.


When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.


The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:



Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.


Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.


Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.


The Adoption Panel are seeking a Business Support Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

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Our Organisation

Medway is a unitary authority in the South East of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula.


Situated in Kent in the South-East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London.


We provide all local Government services for a quarter of a million people, looking after education, environment, social care, housing, planning, business and much more - everything from frontline services such as rubbish collection and events like the Dickens Festival to work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure services in Medway run smoothly and cost effectively.


Working at Medway Council means that you get to be part of this journey working alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change to transform the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.

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Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement

Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age


For further information please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online


Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.


Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.


We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.