Environment Group Executive Assistant - Business Administration Level 3 Apprenticeship

Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Bristol, London, Tyne & Wear, York

Closes in 17 days (Monday 10 November 2025)

Posted on 23 October 2025

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Summary

Within Defra group our purpose is to restore and enhance the environment for current and future generations. If you are equally passionate about protecting our environment this business support role in our Animal Plant Health Directorate could provide the opportunity you are seeking.

Wage

£29,715 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Salary £29,715 - £34,435 National: £29,715 - £30,705 London: £33,350 - £34,435

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday- Friday, 09:00- 17:30

37 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 1 January 2026

Duration

1 year 9 months

Positions available

4

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

Undertake the responsibilities below:

  • Organisational support and ensuring the smooth running of the Director/Deputy Director’s day to day business and engagement across the Directorate/Division
  • Managing all meetings and diary requests for the Director/Deputy Director/s and any associated meetings they are chairing/organising
  • Continuous monitoring of the Director/Deputy Director’s inbox with prioritisation of incoming emails, flagging urgent matters at the earliest and appropriate moment, and responding accurately within deadlines
  • Working with Director/Deputy Directors to ensure they are adequately prepared for meetings (e.g. preparing briefing packs)
  • Providing expert insights to the Director/Deputy Director’s preferences in terms of time and workload management, working with multiple contacts to ensure that expectations are met
  • Logistics support including booking meeting rooms, travel and accommodation for Director/Deputy Director and wider team as appropriate
  • Proactively working with colleagues internally and across Government on delivering other tasks, actions and commissions, ensuring successful and timely delivery as requested
  • Working effectively as a member of the wider Executive Assistant Team supporting colleagues through sharing of experience best practice and providing cover when required

Essential skills you would bring to the role must be demonstrated in your personal statement:

  • Highly organised individual with the ability to manage multiple tasks
    Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a range of internal and external customers and stakeholders
  • Adaptable and flexible approach, with the ability to respond positively to changing demands, priorities and working environments
  • Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal
    Familiarity with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook

Where you'll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

  • Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH
  • Seacole House, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF
  • Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE4 7YH
  • Kings Pool, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PX

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

LIGHTHOUSE (TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT) LTD

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

  • Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
  • An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation
  • At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade A-C)
  • Maths (grade A-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
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

At the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), we are passionate about our work. We are the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.

After this apprenticeship

  • This is a permanent position and after successful completion of your apprenticeship your employment will continue and you'll have the skills to progress within our Directorate or within the wider Defra business community

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

IBC.Resourcing@defra.gov.uk

IBC.Resourcing@defra.gov.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000347989.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Monday 10 November 2025)

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