Business Administrator Level 3 Standard

The business administrator is also expected to show initiative, managing priorities and own time, problem-solving skills, decision-making and the potential for people management responsibilities through mentoring or coaching others.

All learners will complete both on and off the job training elements for this Standard and at the end of their programme will not only complete their Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration learners will also gain a Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration.  Dependent upon prior qualifications learners may also need to complete functional skills in English and Mathematics.

For the off the job training element it is compulsory that learners attend centre to achieve knowledge, understanding and competence training. This begins with a 3 day induction covering the principles of apprenticeships and Induction to Programme, this then moves onto block days off the job throughout the 15 month programme covering the following subjects:

• Word Advanced
• Excel Advanced
• Power Point
• Presentation Skills
• Introduction to Customer Information Systems
• Use of Social Media in Business
• Introduction to Human Resources
• Introduction to Customer Service
• Managing Safety
• Work based Project and Group Presentation

For the Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration learners have the following subjects to select from subject to their individual requirements, qualification requirements and correlation to their job role:

• Communicate in a business environment
• Manage personal and professional development
• Principles of business communication and information
• Principles of administration
• Principles of business
• Contribute to the improvement of business performance
• Negotiate in a business environment
• Develop a presentation
• Deliver a presentation
• Create bespoke business documents
• Contribute to the development and implementation of an   information system
• Monitor information systems
• Evaluate the provision of business travel or accommodation
• Administer legal files
• Build legal case files

For the Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration learners have the following subjects to select from subject to their individual requirements, qualification requirements and correlation to their job role:

• Manage legal case files
• Manage an office facility
• Analyse and present business data
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace 
• Manage team performance
• Manage individuals’ performance
• Manage individuals’ development in the workplace
• Chair and lead meetings
• Encourage innovation
• Procure products and/or services
• Implement change
• Implement and maintain business continuity plans and processes
• Participate in a project
• Organise and deliver customer service
• Resolve customers’ complaints
• Using email
• Word Processing Software
• Website Software
• Spreadsheet Software
• Presentation Software
• Bespoke Software
• Database Software
• Principles of leadership and management
• Principles of market research
• Principles of marketing and evaluation
• Principles of digital marketing and research
• Principles of marketing stakeholder relationships
• Understand the customer service environment
• Understand the legal context of business
• Principles of Social Media within a Business

IT
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.

Record and document production
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.

Decision making
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.

Interpersonal skills
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.

Communication
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.

Building Relationships
Able to build trust, and use effective negotiation and influencing skills and manage conflict. Able to identify and share good practice, and work collaboratively with others both inside and outside of the organisation. Use of specialist advice and support to deliver against plans.

Communication
Able to communicate effectively (verbal, non-verbal, written, digital) and be flexible in communication style. Able to chair meetings and present using a range of media. Use of active listening, and able to challenge and give constructive feedback.

Quality
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.

Planning and organisation
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.

Project Management
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.

Communication
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.

Building Relationships
Able to build trust, and use effective negotiation and influencing skills and manage conflict. Able to identify and share good practice, and work collaboratively with others both inside and outside of the organisation. Use of specialist advice and support to deliver against plans.

Professionalism
Behaves in a professional way. This includes: personal presentation, respect, respecting and encouraging diversity to cater for wider audiences, punctuality and attitude to colleagues, customers and key stakeholders. Adheres to the organisation’s code of conduct for professional use of social media. Acts as a role model, contributing to team cohesion and productivity – representing the positive aspects of team culture and respectfully challenging inappropriate prevailing cultures.

Personal Qualities
Shows exemplary qualities that are valued including integrity, reliability, self-motivation, being pro-active and a positive attitude. Motivates others where responsibility is shared.

Managing Performance
Takes responsibility for their own work, accepts feedback in a positive way, uses initiative and shows resilience. Also takes responsibility for their own development, knows when to ask questions to complete a task and informs their line manager when a task is complete. Performs thorough self-assessments of their work and complies with the organisation’s procedures.

Adaptability
Is able to accept and deal with changing priorities related to both their own work and to the organisation.

Responsibility
Demonstrates taking responsibility for team performance and quality of projects delivered. Takes a clear interest in seeing that projects are successfully completed and customer requests handled appropriately. Takes initiative to develop own and others’ skills and behaviours.