Are you looking to make a difference?

If you're seeking a varied and rewarding administrative role within Children’s Services, with a focus on excellent customer service and supporting education outcomes, then this could be the opportunity for you!

We have a full-time, permanent Business Support Officer vacancy within the Education Division of Children’s Services. We're looking to appoint a motivated and organised administrator with proven line management experience to provide essential support to the Specialist Teaching Services Office Manager, wider education teams, and internal and external partners. We are part of a Local Authority dedicated to championing change for children.

You’ll be joining a friendly, collaborative, and supportive environment where no two days are the same. Whether it’s coordinating meetings, responding to enquiries, or assisting with projects, finance, recruitment, and reporting, your work will contribute to services that help children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) thrive. You will be supported with training, development, and mentoring to grow your skills and confidence within the role.

We Are Looking For Candidates With

• Experience of supervising or line managing staff, including supporting performance and development.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with a wide range of people, including senior managers, colleagues, schools, and families.
• Confidence managing multiple priorities, working independently, and staying calm under pressure.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and MS Teams.
• A proactive attitude, with the ability to respond to enquiries sensitively and escalate issues appropriately.
• A team player approach to support general administration, meeting coordination and office management tasks.
• Are self-motivated and have good problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work accurately with data and records.

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 37 hours full-time. You will be required to work from one of our office locations (Lewes IPS, Eastbourne TLC, Bexhill, Battle, Ringmer centres or one of the three hub buildings in Lewes, Eastbourne and Hastings) for a minimum of three days per week. This is a hybrid role.

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Cover Letter. We will be using your Cover Letter to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.

Please read our help applying for jobs pages carefully. They give you all the guidance you need to complete your application as well as information on what will happen after you’ve submitted your application and at interview.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

Interviews will take place in person at County Hall, Lewes and will include a written test. Interviews will be held on 30 and 31 July 2025, please ensure you are able to make these dates as we may be unable to offer an alternative.

The work we do in Children’s Services is supported every step of the way by professional and committed administrators. Your role as a Business Support Officer will be vital in ensuring our services run smoothly and that we continue to support children and families across the county.

What can the Education Division offer you?

• A motivated team committed to the continuous improvement of outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• A commitment to a model of reflective practice based on regular supervision to support all employees in their professional development.
• A continued professional development (CPD) programme to ensure your personal and professional skills and knowledge are enhanced and developed to support the performance of the service.
• A team of motivated and committed peers.
• We also offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on Employee benefits | East Sussex County Council, where you can find discounts on shopping, travel and technology as just a few of the many benefits available.
• Access to our extensive wellbeing and wellness training.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact either Vanessa Crockett, Business Support Manager, at vanessa.crockett@Eastsussex.gov.uk or Sarah Leggatt, Specialist Teaching Services Office Manager, at sarah.leggatt@eastsussex.gov.uk, or via telephone 01424 726402 or mobile 07876037489.

For putting your skills to good use, choose East Sussex!

About Us

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.