Business Support Officer - Adoption Panel Team

Business Support Officer - Adoption Panel Team

Join our Adoption Panel Team and play a vital role in supporting safe, timely decision‑making for children and families.

This is a fast‑paced environment where accuracy, professionalism and teamwork are key. The role is part of the Regional Adoption Agency between Medway and Kent, and the postholder will be subject to a Medway Council employment contract.

• Provide proactive business support to panel advisers and managers, ensuring panels run smoothly and legally.
• Work confidently under pressure, managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Take accurate, high‑quality minutes for panels and multi‑agency meetings.
• Use and maintain multiple IT systems and databases.
• Create and manage Excel spreadsheets, trackers and templates to monitor actions and deadlines.
• Use tools like Microsoft Copilot to streamline tasks and improve efficiency.
• Deliver a friendly, welcoming service to colleagues and external partners while safeguarding sensitive information.

• Mathematics and English GCSE or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years experience in a similar role.
• Resilient and organised, able to manage time effectively and work under pressure.
• Strong Excel skills (formulas, filters, Pivot Tables) and experience setting up spreadsheets.
• Can confidently take minutes and produce clear, concise records.
• Comfortable working across multiple IT systems and databases.
• Friendly, approachable and a team player, while also working independently.
• Commitment to confidentiality and data protection.

• Experience using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot.
• Previous experience in children services or supporting panels/regulated processes.

• Flexible working with an expectation to work 2 days per week from Oakwood House, Maidstone (subject to change).
• Supportive team culture and opportunities to learn and develop.
• Make a real difference to children and families by supporting critical decision‑making.
• Medway Council is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and is a Disability Confident Employer.

This post is subject to employment checks in line with safer recruitment and data protection requirements.

For an informal discussion please contact Helen Braine at .

• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Generous local government pension scheme package.
• Access to wider training and development qualifications.
• Flexible working scheme.
• Travel plan discounts.
• Med Pay opportunity for pay progression.
• Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service.
• Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers.
• Additional information on childcare cost support available at

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or

C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to

C. When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.