This is an entry level role aimed at bringing new talent into the organisation. This role has a starting salary of £23,322 which increases in the second year to £24,330 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week. This is a 24-month fixed term apprenticeship opportunity.
We are excited to be recruiting a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice to join our fantastic User Voice and Participation team. The team is based in Woking and work in the office and/or community at least twice a week.
We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and welcome applications from those with lived experience of social care e.g. a previously looked after child or care leaver.
Please note: This apprenticeship is only available to those who aren't enrolled on another apprenticeship or government-funded education programme at the time of starting and do not hold a qualification at a higher or equivalent level in the same subject.
If you do not hold an English and Maths GCSE graded A-C or 4-9, you will be required to complete these in addition to the apprenticeship in order to achieve the apprenticeship qualification. Additional tutoring and support will be provided.
Our Offer to You
26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.About the Role
The User Voice and Participation Team, work with children and young people to ensure they have their voices heard in the services that they access in Surrey. There are a variety of ways we do this, for example through participation groups, digital engagement, participation projects and surveys.
Participation means taking part in something. In our experience, participation not only helps shape communities and services, but participation also supports children and young people to build self-belief and develop important life skills such as independence.
We gather children and young people's feedback to get a real understanding of what is and isn't working in Surrey services, including health, social care, and education. We share young people's feedback and views with the right audience to influence positive service change.
In this unique role, you will be supporting the Families First Partnership Programme (FFPP) which will also include engagement with the workforce, communities and the voluntary sector.
Our team work from home and in our Surrey offices, with the main office for our team being in Woking. We work altogether at least twice a week with an expectation to be in the office or out in the community. Our participation groups can be facilitated both virtually and face to face across Surrey. In this role you will work from home and in an office environment, as well as travelling around the county for youth led projects.
This unique role will support the Families First Partnership Programme (FFPP), where participation and co-production is a key principle. This role involves direct engagement with children, young people and families as well as work in the community and the voluntary sector.
As the Apprentice within this role, you will be responsible for:
Supporting the work of the council by contributing to the delivery of services and projects allocated and supported by a supervising manager
Learning the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of the role
Carrying out the role with enthusiasm, integrity and professionalism
Create a safe space for young people to have their voices heard in social care services
Support participation practice in the Families First Partnership Programme
Preparing for and supporting participation groups and projects
Attending outreach engagement events to help promote the work of the User Voice and Participation team and listen to the views of children and young people
Undertake a course of studies and develop a broad range of skills within the requirements of the service to achieve a nationally recognised Apprenticeship
To develop a working knowledge of Surrey County Council's policies and procedures in line with the requirements of the apprenticeship standard
Provide high standards of performance to ensure that the service continues to operate efficiently and effectivelyThis is a dynamic role where you'll make a real difference by ensuring the voices of children, young people, families, communities, and the voluntary sector shape the future of our services.
Your Application
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and experience:
Experience of accessing social care services in Surrey
Demonstrate effective communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms
Build positive and supportive relationships with children, young people and families, creating a safe space for young people to share their views and perspectives
Develop and maintain strong relationships with community groups and voluntary sector organisations to promote collaborative working, increase participation opportunities, and ensure their insights contribute to service design and improvement
GCSE 9-4/A-C in Maths (or equivalent) or ability to work towards level 2 maths
GCSE 9-4/A-C in English (or equivalent) or ability to work towards level 2 English
Ability to work towards and achieve a level 3 apprenticeshipThe job advert closes at 23:59 on 22nd March 2026 with interviews planned to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs
