Job Introduction
The starting salary for this full-time role is £31,659 per annum based on a 36-hour week.
Do you have a genuine passion for people and their life events? Do you want to work in a dedicated and rewarding environment?
Surrey Registration Service are looking to recruit four Registration Support Officers to join our friendly team who are currently located at Guildford Register Office, Artington House, 42 Portsmouth Road, Guildford GU2 4DZ until its planned closure in October 2026. Following this, transactional registration services will transition to Library Hubs in Guildford, Camberley, Farnham, and Woking, supporting a modernised and more accessible service delivery model.
These roles will be primarily based at Guildford Library, working Monday to Friday from 08:50 to 17:00. However, you will be expected to demonstrate flexibility by working across multiple locations to meet service delivery needs, including Camberley, Farnham and Woking as needed. Under arrangements for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the majority of our service will be disaggregated into two new registration districts for East Surrey and West Surrey. Under the TUPE arrangements for LGR, these posts will sit within the newly established West Surrey Registration District.
Our Offer to You
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26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (pro-rated for part time opportunities)
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Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
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A generous local government salary related pension
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Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
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Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
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An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
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Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
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Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
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A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role
Surrey Registration Service is an essential part of the Council’s community and plays a significant role in recording important life events that have legal significance. We are responsible for the registration of 18,000 births, 11,000 deaths and 3,500 civil marriages and partnerships occurring in the county of Surrey each year.
As a Registration Support Officer, you will play a vital role in delivering a statutory service that supports residents at some of the most significant moments in their lives. Working in accordance with the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 and associated legislation, you will be responsible for maintaining the accuracy and security of registration records, register pages, stock and daily accounts. This is a position that carries significant legal responsibility, requiring exceptional attention to detail, professionalism and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance. Any breach of this act and associated legislation committed by a Registration Officer, is a statutory offence.
In this unique and varied role, you will be required to deputise for the Senior Registrar in registering births, deaths, still-births and completing the preliminaries to marriages and civil partnerships. As well as using bespoke Registration Systems, you will be required to use electronic diaries and booking systems and manage Excel accounts, collect and submit statistics to the General Register Office, and process payments for certificate copies and keeping accurate records.
Your empathy and dedication will be essential in dealing with customers who may be going through emotionally charged situations when registering their key life events.
With the ability to operate within a team environment, as well as independently, you will have a proven ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people. Although this role involves registering births, deaths and notices, previous experience of this is not required as full training will be given.
As an employee of the council, you must work in line with our Data Governance policy and all associated policies, procedures and guidance for managing personal data and information. Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action.
Shortlisting Criteria
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
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Highly organised and dependable team player with excellent time management skills, strong personal accountability, and a flexible, positive approach to work.
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Demonstrates a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of their work.
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Ability to understand the legal nature of this role and to apply rules and laws and a clear understanding of your statutory responsibilities as a Registration Support Officer.
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Able to work effectively under pressure, manage services independently from a library hub, collaborate with colleagues across Surrey, and communicate with tact, patience, empathy and professionalism when supporting people from diverse backgrounds, including those who may be distressed.
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Proficient in using IT systems, including Microsoft Word, Excel, electronic diaries, booking systems, and bespoke registration software.
As a customer-facing statutory service, we seek a collaborative and trustworthy individual who demonstrates resilience and commitment to this full-time role.
You must hold a full driving licence with appropriate business insurance cover and have the use of a car. You may be required to travel anywhere in Surrey.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
How to Apply
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:
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What are your motivations for applying for this role in the Registration & Nationality Service?
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What skills and qualities would you bring to this role?
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Please provide an example of a time that you dealt with a challenging or stressful situation. What did you do, and what was the outcome?
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Please provide an example when you either gave or received excellent customer service.
Contact us
Please contact us with any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Avril Itani, Registration Service Operations Lead & Superintendent Registrar, at Guildford Register Office on 01483 518264 or at [email protected] or Della Morgan, Area Manager at Guildford Register Office on 01483 518260 or at [email protected].
The job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 23rd August 2026 with interview dates to be confirmed.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview and technical assessment which will include an IT skills test.
A basic DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) will be required for this role.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
