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The Role
Provides administrative support to the Events and Ambassadors Team, including handling enquiries, event invitations, travel bookings, supplier liaison, purchasing, event materials, documentation, and electronic filing. The role supports event planning and delivery, requires regular Reading office attendance, UK travel, occasional overnight stays, and flexible working hours. The postholder will also represent the charity at events and assist with setup and takedown.
Summary Generated by Built In
We are looking for an outstanding Business Support Assistant to join the Events and Ambassadors Team at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).
This role is perfectly suited for someone with a critical eye for detail and a desire to solve problems. The Business Support Assistant works on all aspects of administration for the team including responding to internal and external enquiries by phone and email, processing responses to event invitations, preparing documentation for mailings, making travel bookings, liaising with suppliers and placing orders, preparing event materials and maintaining our electronic filing system.
This is a home-based role, but you will be required to work from our Reading office (RG1) a minimum of one day per week. However, during periods leading up to events, there may be a requirement to attend the office more frequently to support with event planning and delivery.
You will be joining a committed, passionate, and creative team as we continue to develop an exciting portfolio of events for the DofE.
This position is a 12 month Fixed term contract.
This position is a 12 month Fixed term contract.
What we are looking for:
We're looking for someone whose organisation skills and attention to detail make them stand out from the crowd, in addition to:
- Proactive team player who can contribute across a range of projects and support all aspects of the team’s work.
- An experienced administrator with a proven track record of delivering excellent customer service to a range of stakeholders.
- A meticulous and proficient IT user who is keen to learn new software and systems.
- Someone who is confident attending events, willing to assist with set up and take down, and able to act as an ambassador for the charity throughout
The successful candidate will:
- Live within a commutable distance of our Reading office (RG1) and be willing to work from there on a regular basis.
- Be willing to travel to support the delivery of events across the UK and be willing to undertake occasional overnight stays.
- Be able to work occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends when agreed with reasonable notice.
How to apply and interview dates
If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.
The deadline for applying for this role is: Sunday 25th October – midnight
1st interviews will take place on: Week commencing 9th November – virtual via Teams
2nd interviews will take place on: Week commencing 23rd November – in person in Reading.
If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email [email protected]
If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email [email protected]
Benefits
We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.
The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.
**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.
The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.
**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.
About
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a renowned charity that empowers young people by offering life-changing programs. With a vision of Youth Without Limits, their aim is to provide over a million young individuals, particularly those facing marginalisation, the opportunity to participate in their transformative initiatives within the next five years. By supporting young people in acquiring new skills, overcoming obstacles, and building confidence and resilience, they promote personal growth and development. The organisation operates by licensing and supporting various institutions like schools, colleges, youth groups, and hospitals to run their programs. They prioritise the safety of participants and have taken necessary measures to ensure it. Additionally, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has an Executive Leadership Team that works together to expand their provision and a team of Trustees who set the strategic direction for the charity. With an international reach in over 130 countries and territories, the DofE is part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, which aims to provide opportunities to young people globally. The history of the DofE traces back to 1956 when it was initially launched for boys. Over the years, it has evolved and now offers programs for young people aged 14 to 24, focusing on four key sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. The impact of the DofE has been astounding, with millions of young people benefiting from the program. Even during challenging times like the coronavirus pandemic, the dedication and contributions of DofE participants have been remarkable. As the UK recovers, the DofE continues to support and empower young people, playing a vital role in the national effort. With a rich history and a commitment to youth development, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award remains a beacon of opportunity and growth for young individuals across the globe.
Skills Required
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Proactive team player able to support multiple projects and team activities
- Experience in administration
- Proven record of delivering excellent customer service to stakeholders
- Strong IT skills and willingness to learn new software and systems
- Ability and willingness to attend events and assist with setup and takedown
- Live within commuting distance of the Reading office and work there regularly
- Willingness to travel across the UK and undertake occasional overnight stays
- Availability for occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends
- Eligibility to work in the UK
- Successful completion of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Satisfactory references covering employment and education gaps
- Completion of a health check
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The Company
What We Do
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a globally recognized youth awards program that challenges young people to develop skills, resilience, and leadership. It helps them build lifelong belief in themselves, follow their passions, and discover talents they never knew they had.





