Business Support Officer at Suffolk County Council

Ipswich, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

09 Jun, 26

Salary

28142.0

Posted On

11 Mar, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

IT Skills, Communication Skills, Prioritization, Adaptability, Attention To Detail, Confidentiality, Data Protection, Preparing Letters, Preparing Forms, Data Processing, Meeting Coordination, Minute Taking, Mental Capacity Act Understanding, DoLS Understanding

Industry

Government Administration

Description

* Suffolk County Council * Address: Endeavour house, Ipswich, IP1 2BX - Hybrid * Salary: £25,185 - £28,142 per annum (pro rata for part time) * Hours: 37 hours, flexible working options available * Contract: Various Post 1: Fixed Term or Secondment for 12 months Post 2: Permanent At Suffolk County Council, every role offers the chance to make a meaningful difference. As a Business Support Officer within our Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Team, you’ll directly contribute to safeguarding some of the most vulnerable people in Suffolk. Your work will help protect individuals’ rights, uphold legal standards, and support a service that truly changes lives. Reimagine the possibilities. Your role and responsibilities You will join our award‑winning DoLS service, working closely with Best Interest Assessors and fellow Business Support Officers. Your role will be vital in helping us meet our statutory responsibilities by ensuring referrals and assessments are processed accurately, efficiently and with care. You will: * Support the full administrative process for receiving, recording, and progressing DoLS referrals. * Respond to enquiries from care providers, hospitals and other professionals as part of the core Business Support team. * Assist Best Interest Assessors by managing documentation and coordinating assessment activity, ensuring compliance with the Local Authority’s statutory duties. * Contribute to a high‑quality service that safeguards individuals’ human rights and wellbeing. You will need We’re looking for someone who is organised, adaptable and able to work confidently in a fast‑paced environment. You should bring: * Strong IT and communication skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively. * A willingness to learn new systems and processes. * Excellent attention to detail and an understanding of confidentiality and data protection. * Experience of business support tasks such as preparing letters and forms, processing data, coordinating meetings and taking minutes. * A basic understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS is desirable, but full support and guidance will be provided. You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word) [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/22498-Business-Support-Officer.docx]. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.   The team The Suffolk DoLS Team safeguards individuals by assessing and authorising the lawful deprivation of liberty under the Mental Capacity Act. Our team of Best Interest Assessors and Business Support Officers work together to ensure that every case is handled with fairness, professionalism and respect. We work collaboratively with care providers, hospitals and partner agencies to ensure that any restrictions are necessary, proportionate and regularly reviewed. Our commitment to high‑quality, evidence‑based practice earned national recognition at the 2023 National Social Work Awards. You will be joining a team that values reflective practice, strong ethics and a shared dedication to protecting people’s rights. Empowering Everyone We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report [https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/our-aims-and-transformation-programmes/the-councils-equality-and-inclusion-commitment-to-you]. For more information Please contact Suzanne Ladlow (she/her), for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 07872415014 or emailing suzanne.ladlow@suffolk.gov.uk [suzanne.ladlow@suffolk.gov.uk]. If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application. How to apply Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word). [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/22498-Business-Support-Officer.docx] Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/Other-Docs/SupportingStatementTemplate.docx]. 1. Please describe a time when you managed a range of administrative tasks with competing deadlines. What steps did you take to organise your workload, and what was the outcome? 2. Tell us about an occasion when you had to ensure accuracy and attention to detail while processing important information or documentation. How did you maintain high standards? 3. Describe a time when you dealt with a challenging query or customer, including someone who may have been upset or distressed. How did you handle the situation and what did you learn? 3. Tell us about a situation where you had to learn a new system, process or piece of technology. What approach did you take to build confidence and competency? Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details). Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page. [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/657088] We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/764097] to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed. Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk [recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk] or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/757078]. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments. Closing date: 11.30pm, 22 March 2026 Interview date: 8 April 2026 This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities. In return, you’ll enjoy: * up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days * membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) * travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits * performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase * training and encouragement to expand your knowledge * a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation * diverse and active staff networks * flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day Plus lots more! If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) [https://careers.suffolk.gov.uk/].

Responsibilities

The role involves supporting the full administrative process for receiving, recording, and progressing Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) referrals within the team. This includes responding to professional enquiries and assisting Best Interest Assessors with documentation and activity coordination to ensure statutory compliance.