Business Support
To keep local authorities running smoothly they have all of the business support roles you would expect in any organisation including:
- ICT (Information and communications technology)
- Human Resources
- Administration
- Legal services
- Finance
- Economic Development
- Communication and Marketing
Each local authority may have a different structure or grouping of these services provided, the title of service provision and job titles may vary but here is a generalised overview of each:
ICT
ICT departments play an essential role in supporting council teams. This can include developing new software and ensuring teams have the appropriate ICT equipment required for their job. ICT roles will require differing levels of experience and qualifications and may include ICT Analysts working on support help desks, software development, infrastructure and applications development, cyber security and data storage.
View current vacancies: IT and Telecommunications
Human Resources
Council HR departments provide support as an employer to staff and managers. This support may include employee relations and employment law, recruitment and selection and the maintaining and updating of employee records relating to statutory pay and leave. Council’s have a statutory obligations in terms of health & safety and also contribute to learning and development facilities for all employees. Roles in HR may include, HR Advisors, Payroll Assistants, Health & Safety Advisors and Employee Development Officers.
View current vacancies: HR/Training/Recruitment Health and Safety
Hear about Seona’s career journey in HR.
Administration
Business administration is an important function to ensure services continue to be delivered, these functions can include resolving queries from the public regarding service provision, records maintenance, minute taking and general administrative duties. Roles in Administration can be entry level or require varying levels of experience or qualifications and may include Admin Assistant, Customer Service Advisor, Secretary or Personal Assistant.
View current vacancies: Administration/Clerical/Secretarial
Legal services
Local authority legal services offer an array of legal advice in areas including Adoption, Animal Welfare, Child and Adult Protection, Commercial, Community Care, Construction, Data Protection, Employment, Equality, Governance, Housing, Licensing, Procurement and Planning. Roles may include fully Qualified Lawyers and Paralegals.
View current vacancies: Legal
Finance
The finance department in a local authority manage large capital and revenue budgets withing strict local authority rules to ensure that the public pound is spent with communities in mind. They also offer support and advice to communities managing benefits and council tax payments. Jobs roles can include Accountant, Benefits Assistant, Council Tax Assistant, Cashier, Income Assistant and Recovery Assistant.
View current vacancies: Finance
Economic Development
Aside from offering financial guidance and support to residents, local authorities also support local businesses and industries to ensure economic success in the local area, contributing to the economy of Scotland as a whole. This includes providing businesses with access to start up grants and loans and guidance for successful trading. Economic Development teams also monitor and report on many local industries such as farming and agriculture, food and drink and tourism. It can also include regeneration and special projects to help overcome long-term structural problems and industry specific unemployment. Some roles in Economic Development include: Business Advisor, Business Support Officer, Business Development Officer, Regeneration Officer, Industry Support Officer.
View current vacancies: Economic Development
Marketing and Communications
Communication teams within local authorities are involved in a range of communication activities, including media relations, which may mean dealing with enquiries from journalists, crisis communications and internal communications. They will use social media platforms to engage with communities and residents using a variety of tools. Engaging with residents is key to make sure any changes to council services are undertaken with collaboration between the council and local people to make sure they are satisfied with their local area and feel informed. Roles require varying experience and qualifications and may include internal/external Communications Officer and Assistant and Marketing Officer and Assistant.
View current vacancies: Media and Design Sales/Marketing/PR