Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX - Hybrid
• Salary:£24,796 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week , flexible working options available
• Contract:Fixed Term or Secondment for 21 months

Your role and responsibilities

As an Apprentice Administrator you will be a key part of a busy, customer-focused team and will act as the first point of contact for all non-emergency enquiries to the Fire and Rescue Service. The role is varied and fast-paced and will include:

• Handling incoming non-emergency calls and general enquiries.
• Managing and triaging a high-volume shared email inbox.
• Supporting the Prevention team with the coordination of Home Fire Safety Visits.
• Supporting the Protection team through digital correspondence and filing.
• Maintaining accurate electronic records using systems such as SharePoint.
• Providing general administrative support to the wider service.

Your apprenticeship

• Business Administrator
• 21 months

We welcome apprenticeship applications from all ages and backgrounds. There's no upper age limit - it's never too late to start developing new skills. We want to provide opportunities for anyone interested in launching or advancing their career.

The apprenticeship you're applying for must build on your qualifications. If you have experience in this field, the apprenticeship you're applying for must be at a higher level.

Read the Job and Person Profile (Word) and the Apprenticeship Recruitment Brochure During the apprenticeship, you'll be working towards the role described in the Job and Person Profile. You will have the opportunity to receive hands-on training and pursue certification. Completing your apprenticeship does not guarantee a full-time position. However, we are dedicated to helping you find a job. You will have priority access when you apply for vacancies. This applies during the final 3 months of your contract.

You will need

We are looking for someone who will be a positive addition to a well‑established team. This role would suit someone who is keen to start or develop their career in administration and is motivated to learn and grow in the role. We are particularly interested in applicants who:

• Are keen to learn and develop new skills
• Have a positive, reliable and professional approach to work
• Are comfortable working in a busy environment with a variety of tasks

You can view a full list of requirements in the  Job and Person Profile (Word) If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The Business Support Team is based at Fire Service Headquarters in Endeavour House, Ipswich, and plays a key role in supporting departments across the Fire and Rescue Service. As the non‑emergency link to the public, the team is involved in a wide range of activities at the heart of the organisation. We are flexible and happy to discuss individual arrangements confidentially, including alternative council locations or home‑working days where appropriate. There will be a requirement to be office‑based during the initial training period.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report

For more information

Please contact Graeme Richardson for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473264439 or emailing Graeme.Richardson@suffolk.gov.uk

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the  Supporting Statement template

1. What has motivated you to apply for this specific apprenticeship, and what interests you most about the work involved in the role?
2. What do you know about Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, and why do you want to start your career here rather than with another organisation?
3. This apprenticeship will involve working with people and communicating clearly. Can you give an example of how you have explained something, asked for help, or shared information effectively with others?
4. Can you give an example of how you have demonstrated positive behaviours such as working collaboratively with others, treating people with respect, or taking responsibility for your actions, and explain how this reflects how you would like to work as part of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service?

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at  recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412 You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 7 April 2026

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk)