Business Support Apprentice Level 3

Job Introduction

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council has a clear and ambitious vision: a greener, fairer and healthier Oxfordshire where everyone has the opportunity to live well. Our Strategic Plan sets out how we work with residents and partners to reduce inequalities, improve health and wellbeing, and deliver meaningful public value.

The Council’s Health, Education and Social Care Joint Commissioning function applies the Oxfordshire Way, a strengths‑based, community‑focused approach, to design, purchase and oversee safe, effective and person‑centred services.

The Quality Improvement Team plays a central role in this model. We monitor the quality and performance of Social Care Providers across all ages, using data and market insight to target support. We work collaboratively with providers and partners to drive sustained improvements for people who draw on services.

Our work is guided by the Council’s values: Always learning; Be kind and caring; Equality and integrity in all we do; Taking responsibility; and Daring to do it differently.

About the Role

We are recruiting a Level 3 Business Support Apprentice to join our Quality Improvement Team.

This hybrid role involves working from the office, working from home, and having one dedicated day each week for apprenticeship learning and coursework, which may occasionally include attending college.

As a Business Support Apprentice, you will contribute to a wide range of activities, including:

• Responding professionally to email, telephone and written enquiries.
• Handling confidential information with care and discretion.
• Supporting everyday team functions such as booking meetings, taking minutes and arranging visits.
• Assisting with data gathering, research and presenting information to support decision making.
• Helping monitor services to ensure they meet required standards.
• Learning how commissioning, quality monitoring and provider relationships work in practice.
• Receiving on‑the‑job training alongside completing your apprenticeship qualification.

You will also be responsible for:

• Keeping records, trackers and databases accurate and up to date.
• Helping to manage shared inboxes and responding to enquiries in a professional way.
• Supporting meetings through diary management, agendas, note‑taking and action tracking.
• Producing clear, well‑presented documents, reports and communications.
• Assisting with project work, research and service improvement activities.
• Using digital tools and AI to support efficient and modern ways of working.

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for future careers in commissioning, business support, data analysis, social care, health systems, project coordination and more.

About you

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Whether you are exploring new career options, returning to work or building on existing skills, this apprenticeship could be a great fit.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Communicates clearly and has a positive, professional approach.
• Is confident using Microsoft Office and standard IT systems.
• Is organised, able to manage tasks and pays attention to detail.
• Can follow processes and maintain accuracy.
• Is curious, motivated and committed to completing the apprenticeship qualification.
• Is flexible and willing to support different tasks as required.
• Is open to learning, feedback and developing new skills.
• Is reliable and committed to the apprenticeship programme.

Why Join Us?

You will be joining a friendly and supportive service focused on good organisation, clear communication and continuous improvement. We are also embracing digital tools, including AI, to modernise how we work and streamline processes. It’s an exciting time to be part of shaping smarter ways of working across the Council.

• You’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team.
• You’ll gain practical experience across commissioning and quality improvement functions.
• You’ll receive structured training and mentoring throughout.
• You’ll develop transferable skills that open doors across OCC and beyond.
• Agile and flexible working is supported where possible.

Rewards and Benefits

As part of the Quality Improvement Team, you’ll join an inclusive and forward‑thinking group that values how we work as much as what we deliver. We offer flexible working arrangements, strong professional development opportunities and a clear sense of purpose.

• Salary starting at £25,185 (Grade 4), with opportunities to progress.
• Hybrid and flexible working to support work–life balance.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities to help you grow in your role.
• Technology to support agile working, enabling you to work effectively wherever you are.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support.
• 25 days’ paid annual leave (pro‑rata) plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, supporting you through key life events.
• Local Government Pension Scheme, offering a secure, defined‑benefit pension with generous employer contributions.
• Loyalty and discount schemes, including local and national offers for shopping, leisure, and travel.

Thinking about applying?    

If you’d like an informal chat about the role please make contact by emailing qualityimprovmentteam@oxfordshire.gov.uk and we will arrange a time to call you.  

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact us at: qualityimprovementteam@oxfordshire.gov.uk