Business Support Assistant Apprentice (Job Number: 26001143)
HR & OD
Grade 1: - £24,479 per annum
Fixed Term - Full Time
Contract Duration: 2 years
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Working Arrangements: Hybrid working – minimum of two days per week, following completion of induction / training (at least six month-period), depending on business needs.
Closing Date: 08-Sep-2026, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.
The University
At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
The Role and Department
The Business Support Administrator provides an excellent apprenticeship opportunity for someone seeking to develop a career in business administration.
It is a requirement for this role that the University is satisfied that you meet the apprentice eligibility criteria for the qualification you would be undertaking as part of the role. Including right to work, residency eligibility, visa duration, previous qualifications conditions and completion viability. This will be applicable for any apprenticeship funding eligibility. More information can be found on: Apprenticeship funding rules and assessment plan guidance, 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK.
You will learn how to undertake a wide range of administrative duties that support Human Resources & Organisation Development, contributing to the delivery of essential services and the achievement of strategic objectives across the wider University. This will include tasks such as photocopying, processing mail, maintaining accurate records, note taking, supporting events, answering email enquiries, data entry, and ordering processes. With training and guidance, you will also build confidence using office equipment and digital systems including Microsoft 365, Teams and SharePoint, ensuring information is recorded and managed effectively.
Working under the direction of more experienced colleagues, you will develop a strong understanding of procedures, policies, service standards, and health and safety requirements. You will take a proactive approach to learning, demonstrating enthusiasm, flexibility and a commitment to continuous improvement. As part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to delivering a responsive, high-quality service to staff, students and visitors, while upholding the University’s values of excellence, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and citizenship.
The base location for this role is Boldon House, our exciting new professional services hub. Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House brings a number of professional services teams together in a vibrant office environment that supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working. To find out more, visit the project webpage: Boldon House – Durham University.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
- You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
- You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
- Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
- Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
- If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
- We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply
To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:
1. Good spoken and written communication skills.
2. Basic digital skills including the ability to use Microsoft 365 the internet and email.
3. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics.
4. Experience of, or ability to work in a team (work or leisure-related).
5. Ability to manage time to meet deadlines.
6. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately.
7. Evidence of good attention to detail.
8. Residency eligibility - The apprentice must have the legal right to work in England. The apprentice must meet the residency requirements detailed in Annex A of the Funding Rules for Apprenticeships. This includes (but is not limited to): being ordinarily resident in the UK (or specified territories) for at least three years immediately before the apprenticeship begins, unless a specific exemption applies. Exemptions may apply to individuals with; refugee status or humanitarian protection, permission under the Ukraine or Afghan schemes, stateless status, certain family member rights, pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. More information can be found on: Apprenticeship funding rules and assessment plan guidance, 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK
Desirable Criteria
1. Evidence of personal development to develop and/or maintain skills.
2. Desire and willingness to take part in additional development activity.
3. Relevant work experience (paid or voluntary).
How to Apply
We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.
We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
Who to contact for more information
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Amy Cutts, Organisation Development Adviser ([email protected]) would be happy to speak to you.
Typical Role Requirements
Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.
Service Delivery
- Provide an excellent service to our staff by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for).
- Learn how to use everyday equipment and applications (e.g. printers, scanners, laminators, shredders, Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint, etc.) from more experienced colleagues.
- Follow instructions from more experienced colleagues to deliver set tasks.
- Log and store routine information.
- Carry out basic administrative tasks.
- Learn and adhere to general health , safety and security procedures.
- Be trained to provide administrative support to all areas within Human Resources & Organisation Development e.g. Organisation Development, People & Pay Services, Reward and Recruitment.
Teamwork
- Work effectively within a team.
- Support other team members to carry out their tasks when asked to deliver an excellent service.
- Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.
Communication/Personal
- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
- Use digital devices and apps (such as email and Teams) to communicate with your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
- Any other reasonable duties.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
SECONDMENT
The post is full time, fixed term for a 2 year period and may be offered on an internal secondment basis subject to the agreement of the current line manager.
Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.
Version 07-2026
