Expert at Hand Business Support Officer
Job Summary
Contract Type:
Fixed Term
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
14/10/2026
Advert End Date:
28/10/2026 23:59
Salary:
£27274 - £29071 per annum
Job Category:
Admin/Secretarial/Customer Services
Employment Location:
Any Together for Children Office/ Family Hub
Further Information
Expert at Hand Business Support Officer
Grade 3
Salary £27274 - £29071 per annum
Working Pattern: Full Time 37 hours per week
Fixed Term Contract 3 Years
Location: Together for Children Office Bunnyhill / Agile Working Across Sunderland
Closing Date: Wednesday 28th October 2026
Interview Date: Monday 9th November 2026
Join our Team
Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted-rated Children’s service, if you’re committed to helping children, families, and our community thrive and have the skills to support our mission, we would love to hear from you. You can learn more about us here: Together for Children.
About the role
We are seeking a well-organised, accurate and professional Expert at Hand Business Support Officer to provide responsive administrative and business support within the School Improvement and Early Years service.
You will help coordinate requests from schools, early years settings, families and partner agencies; maintain accurate records and service information and act as a professional first point of contact for routine enquiries. You will organise Expert at Hand meeting groups, prepare agendas, circulate papers, take accurate minutes and track agreed actions.
You will work within agreed procedures, use initiative to manage competing demands and handle sensitive information appropriately. The role is central to ensuring that support is coordinated efficiently and that children, families, schools and settings receive a timely and reliable service.
This post may involve access to sensitive information relating to children, young people and families. The successful candidate will be expected to comply with Together for Children’s safeguarding policies, information governance requirements and safer recruitment standards.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.We will also carry out an online internet search for information that is publicly available online that might suggest that you are not fit to work with children or young people.
Due to recent changes in UKVI rules, this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under the updated eligibility requirements effective 22 July 2025.
We want you to apply if you:
- Have experience of providing administration, business support or customer service in a busy environment.
- Can organise meetings, prepare agendas, take accurate minutes and maintain clear action logs.
- Are confident using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and electronic record systems.
- Can maintain accurate records, documents, spreadsheets and service information.
- Can support routine financial processes, including orders, invoices and payments.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with schools, settings, families, colleagues and partner agencies.
- Can organise and prioritise competing tasks, meet deadlines and follow agreed procedures.
- Understand the importance of confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding, and know when to escalate concerns.
- Are committed to providing a courteous, inclusive, accessible and high-quality service.
Should you require any further information regarding the post, please contact Mark Chandler, Education & Data Officer Mark.Chandler@togetherforchildren.org.uk.
Why work with us?
- Make a difference: Our work matters. The work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and community.
- Inclusion: Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of our employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.
- Work-Life Balance: We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible working arrangements, including part-time opportunities, flexible hours, and the possibility of remote work arrangements.
- Professional Development: Advance your career with our comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support, and supportive environment.
- Be part of a happier, healthier workforce: Benefit from our wide range of wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.
- Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards: for additional information please follow this link Together for Children Benefits and rewards ·
- What our team think: About Us
We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead inclusion@togetherforchildren.org.uk or peoplesupport@togetherforchildren.org.uk so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during the recruitment process or within the workplace.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked-after young person, are care experienced, or are a veteran.
Are you ready to make a difference?