Trainee Service Support Assistant

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. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here .
 
The Role and Department  

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides guidance, expert advice and hands-on support for all aspects of research and research-related work, including securing funding, working with partners undertaking knowledge exchange, demonstrating impact, commercialising outputs, ensuring good research practice and supporting professional development.

The Trainee Service Support Assistant will report to the Assistant Service Support Manager within RIS. The role of the Apprentice is to receive training to support the Service Support team in RIS in a wide variety of administrative responsibilities associated with both the day-to-day running and longer-term development of RIS.

The Apprentice will be trained to initiate and carry out a diverse range of administrative tasks, of both routine and strategic nature, focused primarily on the key administrative functions required to retain and enhance the reputation of RIS. The role also requires the post holder to demonstrate the ability to cope with the demands of a complex organisational environment.

The successful candidate will, in addition to existing communication and team skills, have the ability and potential to develop administrative skills. The post-holder will undertake a two-year development programme, leading to a formal qualification in Business and Administration at Level 3. To fulfill the terms and conditions of the apprenticeship, the post holder will be required to complete training on a weekly basis towards the Apprentice Framework in Business Administration at Level 3.  

The post holder will also undertake on the job training and a development plan will be created in conjunction with the successful candidate and will take into account their individual needs.  

This is a two year fixed term post and it is anticipated that the successful candidate start on 1st August 2024.

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 will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 

• 27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - the university is closed between Christmas and New Year ), a total of 39 days. 
• 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.
• Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. 
• On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. 
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which 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.
• Generous pension schemes. 

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:

Essential Criteria

Desirable Criteria

• Four GCSE's at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience).
• Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.
• Relevant work experience (paid or voluntary).
• Experience of working in a customer focussed service.

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, Sarah Craggs ([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 the Service Support Team as well as the wider Directorate by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for), including photocopying, typing, scanning, data entry, maintaining diaries, processing orders, answering general queries (face to face, email or telephone) and assisting with events and meetings.
• Be aware of any hazards and risks and report any incidents.
• Learn how to use everyday equipment from more experienced colleagues.
• Follow instructions from more experienced colleagues to deliver set tasks such as assisting in the booking of travel, accommodation and meetings for the teams within RIS.
• Log and store routine information.
• Carry out basic administrative tasks and assisting the Service Support team with meetings and events, including making room bookings, catering arrangements, setting up meetings and greeting attendees.

Teamwork

• Help and cooperate with the rest of your team.
• Support other team members to carry out their tasks when asked.
• Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.
• Learn new skills and practices from more experienced colleagues.

Communication/Personal 

• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
• Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with colleagues within RIS and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
• Assisting with queries via email, Teams and telephone.
• Attending any job relevant Durham University training sessions that is relevant to the post.
• 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 Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.  

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.