Employer Adviser (Self Employment)

Gloucestershiremusic; Forest of Dean; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Forest of Dean is looking for an Employer Adviser for self-employment on the Connect to Work programme. The role involves providing personalized support to individuals aspiring to start their own businesses. Candidates should possess strong organizational and communication skills, as well as knowledge of small business processes. The position offers flexible working options and an inclusive environment for change-makers in Gloucestershire.

Benefits

25.5 days annual leave, rising to 30.5 days after 5 years

Flexible and agile working opportunities

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals into self-employment or personal experience running a business.
• Strong communication skills for building relationships.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with customers wanting to start their own business.
• Help explore and develop viable business ideas.
• Connect customers to resources for start-up support.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Entrepreneurial knowledge

Customer-focused approach

Job description

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This is a Gloucestershire County Council job.

• Job Location: Adult Education Service
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Closing Date: 07/01/2026
• Job Requisition Number: 12228
• This post is not open to job share

Are you passionate about helping people turn their ideas into thriving businesses? Do you believe in the power of entrepreneurship to change lives? Join us as an Employer Adviser for self‑employment on the Connect to Work programme and play a vital role in supporting individuals to achieve their dream of self‑employment.

About the Role

Gloucestershire Employment and Skills Hub offer a one‑stop source of information, advice, guidance and support around employment and skills. Working with a range of partners and employers in localities across Gloucestershire the Hub delivers 1:1 support through a number of programmes for people with barriers to sustaining or retaining work, as well as advice and signposting for any resident looking for help.

As a Connect to Work Employer Adviser, you’ll work directly with customers who want to start their own business. You’ll help them explore and develop viable business ideas, create action plans, and connect them to specialist resources for start‑up support. This role is all about empowering individuals, advocating for inclusive opportunities, and building strong relationships with local employers, business networks, and partner agencies.

About You

You’ll bring experience in supporting individuals into self‑employment or have personal experience running a business. You are confident, enthusiastic, and able to work independently under pressure while maintaining a customer‑focused approach. Strong communication and organisational skills are essential, along with the ability to build relationships with employers and partner organisations. You’ll have an understanding of small business start‑up processes, including planning, finance, and compliance, and be familiar with local business support services and funding opportunities.

If you are enthusiastic and self‑motivated and want to help us to deliver change to people living in Gloucestershire, we encourage you to apply for this role.

About Us

• Flexible and agile working opportunities
• 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service
• An option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part‑time staff)
• Family friendly employer offering benefits to help support you and your family
• Career development and qualification opportunities
• Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone.
• An in‑house Occupational Health service
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) network and the Young Employees Network.

How to apply

If you have the skills, desire and experience required to make a positive difference then please submit your application and personal statement today by clicking the “Apply Now” button.

The closing date is 07/01/2026 and interviews will take place on 16/01/2026.

If you have any questions about this role please contact [e-mail]

Additional Information

To access the Job Profile for this role, please follow the link below:
Job Profile Link (placeholder)

The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Candidates will need to have right to work that enables them to commit to at least 6 months' employment. Right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer.

We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining excellent people to work for us, so that we can best serve all of Gloucestershire’s diverse communities. Our promise to you is that we will provide an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential.

It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a ‘customer facing role’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.

Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working.