Admissions Officer

Overview

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Admissions Officer to join us on a part time basis within our Education service.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the delivery of the admissions processes within Buckinghamshire, including accurate communication with colleagues, schools and parents.

This role is part time, 32 hours per week.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

Buckinghamshire is an ambitious, rapidly growing county, and our economy is one of the strongest in the country. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and ranks as one of the top rural areas to live in the UK and yet it is incredibly well connected– only an hour from London on the train. The county has a rich history and heritage and is the birthplace of the international Paralympic movement.

We are looking for motivated, ambitious and inspiring people to join us on our journey. You will be entitled to a range of different benefits to make sure you are happy both at work and at home.

About the role

The main duties and responsibilities of the role include:

• To be responsible for the delivery of the co-ordinated admission process for a caseload of schools, some of which have more complex admissions arrangements, acting as their contact for all admission issues. At all times having regard to admission rules, the Admissions Code, other relevant legislation and published local policies & procedures. To be aware of, and interpret, the council’s School Transport Policy.
• To be involved in the administration of the Transfer Testing Processes on behalf of the Buckinghamshire grammar schools.
• Accurately maintain, update and interrogate records on the council’s computerised admissions database (Capita’s ONE).
• To assist in the provision of technical support for the Phased Admission Process and the Transfer Testing Process.
• Ensure the integrity of the admissions database
• Respond to parental enquiries mainly in writing (usually email) or over the telephone
• Support schools in over subscription appeals (including for non-qualified pupils), to include liaison with headteachers and their representatives over appeal case preparation
• To contribute to the team’s responsibilities for purchasing goods and services, together with the processing of invoices, as required and in conjunction with colleagues.
• To assist in the maintenance of information on the council’s website, including FAQs (CUF), to ensure that the council’s Contact Centre is able to handle general queries and to enable customers to receive the correct information. To be involved in an annual updating of parental information.

Any-Desk:

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

We would welcome applications from individuals who:

• Possess an understanding of school admissions and transport process and progressive understanding of the legislative background
• Are proficient in IT with experience of IT systems/packages and computer based information systems, use of Capita ONE software or equivalent admissions database
• Can demonstrate excellent communication skills with the ability to relate successfully to parents, school staff, colleagues and members of the public
• Possess good planning and organisational skills, with proven ability to prioritise workloads, monitor and evaluate work, to ensure deadlines are achieved
• Are numerate, accurate and show good attention to detail
• Are Educated to A level/HNC standard or equivalent

Please see job description for further detail.

Other information

If you would like to find out more about this role, please contact William Green at [email protected]

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Ensuring that children and young people in Buckinghamshire reach their potential is a primary focus within our Education service. It’s essential that we provide inclusive and life-long learning opportunities for all of our young people - so we look to raise standards, attainment and aspirations in a number of ways.

Our key priorities include: improving the quality and timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plans and the support families of children with SEND receive; reducing the number of exclusions both permanent and fixed term; and providing the children of Buckinghamshire with the highest quality education possible.

We aim to provide the right support, at the right time for families requiring non-statutory intervention, and provide sufficient, high quality early years and school places for children in Buckinghamshire. Despite Buckinghamshire having a higher percentage of good or outstanding Early Years providers and schools than national averages, we are not complacent.

We are keen to strengthen the services we deliver to provide the children of Buckinghamshire the highest quality education possible.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/