Certificate Production Office Assistant

Due to the legal nature of the certificate production service, and the volume of personal details we handle on a daily basis, you will be required to perform your day-to-day duties in accordance with the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953. Registration employees are personally responsible for their duties performed under this act and associated legislation. Any breach of this act and associated legislation committed by a registration officer, is a statutory offence.

For this exciting and interesting office based, customer facing role, we are seeking an individual who will be a good team player, demonstrates excellent time management skills and a high level of personal accountability, together with a flexible and positive approach to their work. Currently located in our beautiful old building, Artington House, Guildford Register Office holds the registers for all birth, death and marriages that have taken place in Surrey dating back to 1837. These registers, along with the Certificate Production Team will be moving to the Surrey History Centre in Woking later this year. One of the principal functions of the role is the production of copy birth, death, and marriage certificates for customers. This involves retrieving the original registers located in the basement vaults and requires use of scanning equipment, and specialist IT programmes (for which training will be given). You must have clear, legible, and neat handwriting, and it is essential for you to have good IT knowledge and experience which may be tested at interview with a handwriting demonstration and spelling test. You will need to be able to work in a team environment as well as independently, have proven ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people and have a good understanding of what is required to provide excellent front-line customer service. The role involves meeting and greeting members of the public in the main reception and directing them to their registration appointment or ceremony, so you must be able to show tact, patience and empathy as you deal with a variety of emotions. Also, as part of your duties, you will be required to assist in the day-to-day accounting procedures for the office. Attention to detail and accuracy are two important aspects of this position. Shortlisting Criteria In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Experience of administrative work
• Essential IT skills in Outlook, Word & Excel
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Customer Service experience desirable but not essential
• Ability to relate to people from all backgrounds and cultures
  
  Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council Our Commitment

Do you have a genuine passion for people and their life events, with an interest in current and historical genealogy records? Do you want to work in a dedicated and rewarding environment? Surrey Registration Service are looking to recruit one permanent full time Certificate Production Office Assistant to join our friendly team who are currently located at Guildford Register Office, Artington House, 42 Portsmouth Road, Guildford GU2 4DZ. In autumn 2026 the team will relocate to the Surrey History Centre, 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking, GU21 6ND. The Surrey Registration Service is responsible for the registration of 19,000 births, 11,000 deaths and 3,500 civil marriages and partnerships occurring in the county of Surrey each year. Our Offer to You
• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents