The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
12 months fixed term
We're looking for a highly organised and proactive Business Support Officer to join our Enforcement and Attendance Support Service. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced administrator who enjoys managing processes, working with complex data and providing excellent customer service in a role that directly supports improved school attendance and positive outcomes for children.
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
As a key member of the Business Support Service, you'll be responsible for coordinating and administering the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) process linked to school attendance enforcement.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Acting as the first point of contact for enquiries relating to Fixed Penalty Notices from parents, schools and partner agencies
- Processing Fixed Penalty Notices in line with established procedures, including reviewing information, issuing notices and monitoring payments
- Working closely with Finance and other teams to track payments and follow up outstanding notices
- Maintaining accurate databases and records to support statutory returns and local reporting requirements
- Investigating and gathering information from internal and external partners to support effective decision-making
- Producing management information and reports using spreadsheets and other systems
- Providing administrative support to attendance-related meetings, including minute taking when required
- Supporting continuous improvement of administrative processes and procedures
- Ensuring confidentiality and compliance with safeguarding, data protection and organisational policy
About you
We're looking for someone who is organised, resilient and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining high levels of accuracy.
You'll have:
- GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
- Previous administrative experience in a busy environment with competing demands
- Intermediate Microsoft Office skills, particularly in Word, Excel and Outlook
- Experience managing your own workload and making decisions within agreed processes
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to handle challenging conversations professionally
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
- Experience working with databases and producing reports from complex information
- The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team
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
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 30 days after 5 years’ service and 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 - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and 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
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Clare Page - [email protected]
Closing Date: Sunday 9th August 2026
Interview Date: Wednesday 19th August 2026
Interview Process: To be confirmed
