Business Support Administrator (Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Available) At Westmorland & Furness Council

Location: Penrith, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Contractual Hours: 37 hours per week
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: £27,711.00 – £28,624.00 per annum
Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Available
Application Closing Date: 22 June 2025

About the Business Support Administrator Role

Westmorland & Furness Council is recruiting a dedicated Business Support Administrator to join its Children & Families Business Support Service, operating within the Multi-Agency Children’s Hub in Penrith. This role offers a unique chance to be part of a team that directly contributes to improving the lives of children and families by supporting multi-agency decision-making and service delivery.

If you are detail-oriented, proactive, and passionate about administrative excellence within a social care context, this position provides a rewarding environment with robust support, teamwork, and development opportunities.

Why Join Westmorland & Furness Council?

Working with Westmorland & Furness Council means being part of an organisation committed to public service and community well-being. Here are some compelling reasons to consider this opportunity:

Competitive Salary and Benefits: A salary range between £27,711 and £28,624, combined with a competitive pension scheme.
Enhanced Annual Leave: Benefit from generous leave entitlements for work-life balance.
Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship is available for eligible candidates, opening doors for international applicants.
Inclusive Workplace Culture: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion ensuring a supportive environment for all employees.
Career Growth: Opportunities for training and progression within Children’s Services and other council departments.
Community Impact: Directly support services that safeguard and promote the welfare of children and families in Cumbria.

Discover more about our benefits and life at Westmorland & Furness Council on our Careers page.

Key Responsibilities of the Business Support Administrator

This role demands excellent organisational and communication skills combined with administrative precision. Below are the core responsibilities:

Administrative Support within Children & Families Services

Provide essential administrative assistance to the Multi-Agency Children’s Hub, supporting social work and partnership teams.
Manage incoming correspondence and enquiries from the public and professionals, primarily by phone and email.
Accurately input and retrieve sensitive information on Children’s Services databases.
Assist in the preparation, collation, and distribution of reports, documentation, and case files.
Maintain effective filing systems, ensuring compliance with data protection and confidentiality guidelines.

Coordination and Liaison

Act as a liaison point between the council, partner agencies, and service users to facilitate smooth communication.
Schedule appointments, meetings, and multi-agency case conferences.
Support the team in meeting deadlines and managing workload priorities.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

Ensure all administrative processes align with council policies, safeguarding standards, and regulatory requirements.
Contribute to safer recruitment practices by supporting vetting and DBS checks.
Help maintain accurate records to support audits and quality assurance inspections.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

To excel as a Business Support Administrator in this specialist setting, the ideal candidate will possess the following:

Required Skills

Strong Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse stakeholders, including children, families, professionals, and the public.
IT Proficiency: Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience with database management, preferably in social care settings.
Organisational Ability: Capable of handling multiple tasks with attention to detail and efficiency.
Confidentiality Awareness: Understanding of data protection laws and safeguarding procedures.
Team Player: Collaborative mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Desirable Qualifications

Previous experience working in children’s social care, local government, or related sectors.
Knowledge of multi-agency working environments.
Basic knowledge of safeguarding and child protection frameworks.

Who Should Apply?

This role is ideal for individuals who:

Are passionate about supporting children and families.
Enjoy working in a fast-paced, community-focused environment.
Have excellent interpersonal and administrative skills.
Are seeking a career with visa sponsorship support in the UK.
Want to contribute meaningfully to public services and social welfare.

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship: What You Need to Know

Westmorland & Furness Council is pleased to offer Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship for eligible candidates applying to this position. This opens up this role to international applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and want to live and work in the UK.

The Skilled Worker Visa allows qualified overseas workers to take up jobs with sponsoring employers.
The council adheres to UK Government guidelines regarding visa sponsorship.
Candidates should verify eligibility for the Skilled Worker visa for this occupation via the official GOV.UK list of eligible occupations.

If you have questions about visa sponsorship or eligibility, contact the council or refer to government resources for detailed guidance.

Application Process and Interview Details

How to Apply

Applications for the Business Support Administrator role must be submitted by 22 June 2025. Make sure to:

Review the Post Specification and Role Profile documents available on the council’s careers site.
Submit your application via the official Westmorland & Furness Council recruitment portal.
Prepare a tailored CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and skills.

Apply Here

Interview Information

The council offers flexible interview arrangements, including in-person and virtual options.
Candidates will be contacted with interview details upon shortlisting.
Reasonable adjustments for disabilities or other requirements can be requested to ensure a fair process.

For informal discussions or questions about the role, candidates can contact Angela Cockram at 07881 008264.

Commitment to Safeguarding and Inclusion

Westmorland & Furness Council prioritises the safety and well-being of vulnerable groups. They require all employees and volunteers to share this commitment by:

Adhering to safeguarding policies protecting children, young people, and adults at risk.
Participating in safer recruitment practices.
Embracing diversity and creating an inclusive work environment.

The council proudly holds the status of a Disability Confident Leader and guarantees interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential job criteria. They also offer guaranteed interviews for armed forces personnel, veterans, care leavers, and young people under 24 years old who meet the job’s essential criteria.

Benefits and Perks of Working at Westmorland & Furness Council

Working as a Business Support Administrator comes with a comprehensive package designed to support your career and personal well-being:

Competitive Salary Package: Reflective of experience and responsibility.
Pension Scheme: Secure your financial future with the council’s contributory pension plan.
Generous Leave: Enjoy annual leave entitlements that support work-life balance.
Flexible Working: Supportive of diverse working patterns and employee needs.
Career Development: Access to training, development programs, and internal promotion pathways.
Discount Schemes: Employee discounts on a variety of services and local offers.
Supportive Work Culture: An environment valuing diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Explore more on the council’s official careers page.

Why Penrith and Cumbria?

The role is based in Penrith, a market town offering a friendly community atmosphere, excellent natural surroundings, and access to the Lake District National Park. Living and working in Cumbria provides:

Affordable housing options.
Rich cultural heritage and local amenities.
Opportunities for outdoor activities and family-friendly environments.
A peaceful, yet well-connected lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Is This Role Right for You?

If you are a motivated and organised individual with a passion for supporting children and families through excellent business administration, this opportunity at Westmorland & Furness Council could be your next career step. With visa sponsorship available, competitive benefits, and a chance to make a real impact in your community, this role offers both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Apply now to join a dynamic, dedicated team committed to making a positive difference.