Administration is a critical function that is responsible for the smooth running of any team in a council. Every local authority employs administrative officers in all departments. They may also be known as administrative support officers.

Work Environment

Administrative officers usually work using computers at desks in council offices, although some of the time they may attend meetings or visit other departments.

They work normal council hours – 37 per week.

Daily Activities

An administrative officer’s main responsibility is to manage administrative systems and sometimes staff. Exact tasks vary but usually they include:

• assisting on a range of work in a project support capacity,
• ensuring that the mail is opened and processed in good time,
• checking that all the necessary typing is completed,
• arranging managers’ meetings,
• attending meetings and taking minutes,
• maintaining filing systems,
• word processing a wide range of material such as reports, memos and contracts of employment,
• organising staff rotas and holidays, and rearranging their schedules when someone is sick,
• taking disciplinary issues to human resources, then working with them to sort the problem out,
• interviewing staff on a regular basis, identifying training needs,
• research and analysis,
• filling in for other members of staff in their absence.

Skills & Interests

Administrative officers need to:

• enjoy working with people, both in a team and in a supervisory role,
• pay attention to detail,
• have good written and verbal communication skills,
• have good IT skills.

Entry Requirements

There are not usually any specific academic qualifications, although a good general education is preferred. Most councils ask for GCSEs/S grades including English and maths. GNVQs/GSVQs or NVQs/SVQs are acceptable alternatives. Sometimes, relevant experience of office systems is more important.

You may need previous experience of supervising staff.

You may be able/expected to work towards NVQs/SVQs.

Estimated salary range

£14,200-£22,000 per year depending on responsibilities.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

There is no set career route after the role of administrative officer. You may, however, be able to specialise in a particular area of a department’s work, or move into a different department. It is also possible to move into general office management positions.

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