Reception and Administration L3 Apprentice (Clifton Court Medical Practice)
Clifton Court Medical Practice
DARLINGTON (DL1 5JN)
Closes in 16 days (Friday 6 November 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 20 October 2026
Contents
Summary
Clifton Court Medical Centre is seeking a motivated and professional Business Administrator Apprentice. The candidate will develop skills in healthcare administration, patient communication, record management and business support while working towards a Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship.
- Wage
-
£15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday: Various shift patterns of 8:00am-4:00pm, 9:00am-5:00pm or 10:00am-6:00pm.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
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Monday 9 November 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 6 months
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
The Reception and Administration Apprentice will support the day-to-day administrative and reception functions of Clifton Court Medical Practice, helping to deliver an efficient, professional, and patient-focused service. Working as part of a busy GP practice team, the apprentice will assist patients, support clinical and administrative staff, and develop key business administration and customer service skills within a healthcare environment. The role will involve handling confidential information, maintain accurate records, and ensure patients receive a positive experience when accessing practice services.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Welcome patients and visitors to the surgery in a friendly, professional, and respectful manner
- Answer telephone calls and respond to patient enquiries, directing requests to the appropriate member of staff
- Support appointment booking, cancellations, and patient registration processes using practice systems
- Maintain accurate patient records and update information in line with NHS and practice procedures
- Assist with processing repeat prescription requests and administrative correspondence
- Manage incoming and outgoing emails, post, scanning, filing, and document management tasks
- Support clinicians and administrative staff with routine administrative duties
- Handle confidential patient information safely and in accordance with data protection requirements
- Assist with processing referrals, test result communications, and other patient-related administration
- Support the practice in maintaining accurate records and completing routine data entry activities
- Help patients access online services, where appropriate, and provide guidance on practice procedures
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of reception and administrative services
Skills & Experience Gained
- Healthcare administration and patient services experience
- Use of clinical and administrative IT systems
- Professional communication with patients, clinicians, and external healthcare providers
- Understanding of confidentiality, GDPR, and information governance within healthcare
- Customer service and reception skills in a busy GP practice environment
- Organisation, prioritisation, and time management skills
- Experience maintaining accurate records and managing sensitive information
- Understanding of NHS primary care services and healthcare administration processes
This apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable administrative experience within a patient-centred healthcare setting while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Where you'll work
CLIFTON COURT MEDICAL PRACTICE
VICTORIA ROAD
DARLINGTON
DL1 5JN
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
- Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
- Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
- Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
- Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
- Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
- Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
You will be completing the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard with Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills, Darlington.
The Administration Apprenticeship is designed to equip participants with the fundamentals required to work in any business environment. The programme can be delivered using a blend of on-line, anytime learning and expert-led classroom training covering core topics.
Throughout this apprenticeship, participants will be supported by tutors who have worked in a business environment and have gained many years of experience and who can truly support you to develop the skills and knowledge required to work in a wide range of administrative roles.
More training information
Training will be provided to achieve the following qualifications:
Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard
Training will take place weekly, on a day release basis, at Darlington Borough Council L&S Skills Centre (DL1 1NG). Here you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to ensure these exceed the minimum requirements for the Business Administrator Level 3 apprenticeship standards.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4+/ C+)
- maths (grade 4+/ C+)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
- You will be required to attend our training centre in Darlington (DL1 1NG) and you will need to make your own way there for day release training
- Travel to and from the employer, based at Clifton Court Medical Practice, Victoria Road, Darlington, DL1 5JN
- Appointment to this position will be subject to a satisfactory Standard DBS check
- Part-time hours may be considered for the right candidate, subject to meeting apprenticeship funding and programme requirements
About this employer
Clifton Court Medical Practice is located close to the centre of town and also has close links to the train station.
Within our team we have:
- 5 GP Partners
- 2 Salaried GP's
- 3 Nurse Practitioners
- 1 Pharmacist and 1 Pharmacist Technician
- 4 Practice Nurses
- 3 HCA's/GPAs
- Practice Manager and Reception Supervisor
- Medical Receptionists and Secretaries
We have around 12,000 patients and are a training practice and so support trainee doctors and medical students on a regular basis.
We get lots of compliments from our patients which is heartening as we all work hard to give the best service we can.
https://www.cliftoncourtmedicalpractice.nhs.uk (opens in new tab)
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Successful completion could lead to full-time employment (subject to review).
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
Graham Curry
graham.curry@Darlington.gov.uk
07949845325
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000059664.
Apply now
Closes in 16 days (Friday 6 November 2026 at 11:59pm)