Apprentice – Business Administration (Litigation and Planning Team)

Contract Type: Fixed Term 18 Months (Apprenticeship)
Hours: 37 hours per week

Ready to start your career AND earn a real wage?

Whether you’re finishing school/college/university, changing direction or just want to learn something new, an apprenticeship with Devon County Council (DCC) is a brilliant way to build your future.

You’ll gain a recognised qualification, get paid from day one and learn real skills from friendly people who want you to succeed.

Why this apprenticeship is a great opportunity

• Highly competitive salary – £26,016 in your first year
• Work towards a Level 3, Business Administration Apprenticeship
• Be given designated time to learn with your training provider
• Build real experience in a professional team
• Join a workplace that supports you every step of the way
• Plus: 26 days’ holiday, bank holidays off, great pension and discounts

And the best bit? Devon County Council has a strong track record of supporting apprentices to progress into longer-term careers, with many people going on to secure roles across the organisation.

What you’ll be doing:

• Be at the heart of a busy Litigation & Planning Team, supporting lawyers and officers working across a diverse portfolio of education, civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, highways and planning matters.
• Provide essential administrative support to legal professionals, maintaining accurate electronic and manual records, managing case files, preparing correspondence and ensuring documentation is organised and readily accessible.
• Correspond with members of the public, clients, courts, barristers and partner organisations, handling enquiries by telephone, email and in person with professionalism and confidence.
• Help co-ordinate the progression of a wide range of legal cases and regulatory matters by managing incoming and outgoing correspondence, distributing information promptly and supporting effective case management.
• Attend meetings and take clear, accurate minutes and action notes, helping to drive forward important cases and decision-making processes.
• Support the preparation of reports contributing to informed decision-making across the service.
• Undertake research and information gathering to support legal work, service improvements and the development of efficient administrative processes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across a broad range of specialist legal disciplines while developing the confidence to manage tasks independently and take ownership of key areas of work.
• Maintain accurate financial and administrative records, including processing invoices, managing payments, ordering supplies and supporting the efficient operation of the team.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of administrative systems and procedures, helping the team deliver high-quality legal services that support communities and public services across the county.

Our offer to you
Working for Devon County Council (DCC) has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer. In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:

• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme – more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website.
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role).
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.

Who can apply?
This role is ideal for:

• School, college or university leavers
• Anyone looking for a career change
• Anyone who wants to learn while earning

You’ll need to demonstrate a genuine interest in the role.

This apprenticeship requires minimum GCSE English and Maths equivalent to Grade C/4.

Want to chat first?
We’d love to talk to you! Please call Hazel Union on 01392 380296 for an informal discussion.

Hear from other apprentices
See what it’s like working as an apprentice at Devon County Council:
https://youtu.be/dKxS4EqBFxc

How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working – The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).