Job Description

Length of contract:

Permanent (subject to continuance of funding)

Salary:

25,464.00 per annum

Hours:

37 hours

Based at:

Accrington/ Hybrid Working (minimum of 2 days in Head Office)

We welcome new candidates to apply and join our growing team.

Previous applicants

, whilst appreciated, are kindly

advised not to reapply

.

Job Overview

Responsible for providing comprehensive operational support to ensure the day-to-day operations of Advocacy Focus run smoothly. The position will help manage and develop organisational infrastructure by assisting with operational activity. This role also works closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in evaluating current systems and aligning business objectives with strategy. The role supports specialist staff in the overall day-to-day operational administration including IT, human resource, buildings maintenance, health and safety, marketing, and finance.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

IT & Systems

Onboarding & enablement: Set up new starters across systems; train staff on IT and equipment; monitor issues and refine processes with the Operations Manager and People Manager. Maintain password storage (SharePoint). Assets & compliance: Ownership of all hardware/ equipment management; ensure kit is fit for purpose, asset-tagged, PAT-tested, and compliant; keep accurate asset records. Business systems: Keep operational platforms (e.g., SharePoint/ Talent LMS/ Evalu-8) working effectively with relevant teams; test and evaluate new tech. Vendors & contracts: Liaise with equipment suppliers; support transitions when ceasing business; help implement new IT/ telecoms and related policies with the Operations Manager and Services Director. Support & security: Troubleshoot internally and escalate to external IT support; drive cybersecurity practices with SLT; manage safe data transfer for incoming/ outgoing contracts with Referral & Triage, Operations Manager and Services Director. AV & meetings: Manage audio-visual equipment for team meetings and training.

Health & Safety (Responsible Person)

Support the Operations Manager to maintain up-to-date H&S policies/ procedures; track legislative updates; conduct organisational risk assessments and escalate significant risks. Oversee annual inspections and GAP analysis; liaise with external H&S consultants. Manage desk layouts and DSE assessments, recording issued kit in the IT inventory; ensure office equipment, fixtures and fittings are in good order. Lead routine office checks in line with IOSH guidance; maintain visible H&S resources across offices. Coordinate essential H&S and First Aid training; deliver building inductions for staff, volunteers, students and visitors. Arrange regular testing of electrical equipment and safety devices; run fire alarm tests/drills at Head Office and communicate arrangements at other sites. Represent Advocacy Focus at H&S events/best-practice groups; ensure H&S compliance at external events; escalate Board-level matters to SLT/Finance & Risk Subgroup. Complete individual risk assessments for young people on work experience.

Operations & Facilities

Source new premises/ workspace/ storage and negotiate rates per SLT brief; facilitate changes to premises in consultation with relevant team members. Ensure office cover and liaise with building managers to resolve issues and ensure compliance. Supervise/ line-manage students and apprentices within the ops team where appropriate. Oversee logistics for events and conferences; manage room/desk booking systems and ensure efficient Head Office layout; manage stationery orders. Handle confidential shredding and office recycling; monitor and review cleaning arrangements; organise incoming/outgoing mail.

People, Governance & Admin

Prepare for team meetings with the People Manager, ensuring documentation and presentations are organised/ uploaded in advance; provide administrative support to SLT as needed. Keep the staff intranet (SharePoint) accurate and current; support recruitment and HR tasks and provide support for essential tasks during People Manager absence. Maintain legal compliance and confidentiality; undertake other duties commensurate with the grade or as reasonably requested by the Operations Manager or SLT.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please click to apply and we will send you an application form.

Please note that the salary advertised is for full time hours. If this post is less than 37 hours per week, the salary will be pro-rata.

This vacancy will close on 3rd November 2025 however it may close before this date if the recruiting manager deems sufficient applications have been received. Therefore it is advised to complete your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please ensure you check the email account from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.

Please note, that shortlisting is completed anonymously with candidates being assessed against the essential criteria for the post.

Therefore only persons who can clearly demonstrate how they meet our person specification criteria in their application, will be short-listed.

Advocacy Focus is committed to fighting racism and other forms of oppression and discrimination. We want to be a great employer for all our staff, regardless of their background or characteristics. We recognise that not everyone is the same and that different people will require different support to fulfil their potential. One thing we can do to work towards that goal is to ensure that our staff team is representative of the diverse communities across our service delivery areas. We particularly encourage applications from men, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those living with a physical or mental disability, and those from an ethnic minority background.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Support is available to candidates with disabilities when applying for vacancies. For more information on reasonable adjustments please contact our Recruitment Team.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 25,464.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Flexitime Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Referral programme Unlimited paid holidays
Experience:

Operations: 1 year (required) Business Administration: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person