Receptionist and Administrative Assistant

Harris Federation

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to join our team at the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership.

Based at the Institute in Beckenham, this role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the Institute. As the first point of contact for visitors, staff, trainees, and programme participants, you will provide a warm, professional, and responsive reception service while creating a positive experience for everyone engaging with the Institute.

Alongside managing the reception area, you will provide comprehensive administrative support to a range of programmes and operational activities, helping to ensure the efficient and effective running of the Harris Institute.

The actual salary for this role will be £25,541 - £27,877 (37.5 hours per week, 40 weeks per year).

WORKING WITH US

Our vision at the Harris Institute of Teaching & Leadership is to be a nationally recognised, leading provider of exemplary school-led learning and development opportunities for trainees and all school staff. Through our research-led, practice-rich and evidence-based programmes and apprenticeships, we continue to positively impact recruitment, retention and professional development across the East, South and London regions.

We are outward-facing and work in partnership with schools and communities, particularly in areas of high socio-economic disadvantage, where excellent teaching and high-quality education are fundamental to improving life chances. We are committed to developing and supporting all school staff so they can provide an inclusive and exceptional education in which every child can thrive and succeed.

As part of the Harris Federation, we benefit from being connected to one of the most successful school groups in the country. Founded by Lord Harris of Peckham, the Federation opened its first school in 1990 and has spent more than three decades transforming educational opportunities for children and young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Today, Harris educates over 40,000 pupils across more than 50 academies in London and Essex and employs over 5,000 staff across its academies and central services.

Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility, with a strong track record of raising aspirations and achievement. This commitment to excellence underpins the work of the Harris Institute, which plays a vital role in developing the teachers, leaders and support staff who make this impact possible.

We are proud to be an organisation that values diversity, inclusion and opportunity. We are committed to creating a fair, equitable and supportive environment where staff and students are respected, valued and empowered to achieve their potential. Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared commitment to inspiring young minds and improving outcomes for future generations. Together, we foster an inclusive culture where every voice is heard and every contribution is valued.

For more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the Why Work For Us page.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering a professional, welcoming and customer-focused reception service for visitors, staff, trainees and programme participants
• Managing visitor sign-in processes and ensuring compliance with safeguarding procedures
• Responding to enquiries, handling messages and resolving or escalating issues promptly and professionally
• Maintaining a tidy, organised and professional reception environment at all times
• Providing administrative support, including document preparation, filing, photocopying and managing post
• Supporting onboarding and programme administration for trainees, apprentices and programme participants
• Maintaining programme registers and ensuring accurate record-keeping
• Coordinating room bookings, events and meeting arrangements, including catering and equipment requirements
• Managing building consumables and raising purchase orders as required
• Supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the Institute through a range of administrative and customer service activities

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• GCSE-level qualifications (or equivalent)
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Experience using computer systems, databases and administrative software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and customer-focused approach
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands
• A commitment to delivering a high standard of customer service
• The ability to remain calm, professional and solution-focused when dealing with challenging situations
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• A proactive and resourceful approach to problem-solving
• The confidence to work with colleagues, visitors and stakeholders at all levels
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise tact, discretion and diplomacy where required

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans