Contracts Assistant

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a proactive,

highly organised and motivated Contracts Assistant to join our Finance team.

Working closely with the Senior Contracts Manager, you will provide

comprehensive administrative support for the development, management and monitoring of the Trust's healthcare contracts.

In this varied role you will require be required

to help maintain accurate contract documentation and registers, coordinate

information and reporting requirements, support contract and performance review meetings, and assist with the completion of NHS returns within required

timescales. You will work with colleagues across the Trust and with Commissioners,

helping to ensure that information is accurate, up to date and provided by agreed deadlines.

The successful candidate will have

excellent organisational, communication and IT skills, with strong attention to detail and the

ability to manage competing priorities. You will be comfortable working both

independently and as part of a team in a busy environment where accuracy, confidentiality and timely delivery are essential.

Main duties of the job

• Provide administrative and contract management support.

• Assist with developing and maintaining contract documentation.

• Support contract monitoring and performance review meetings.

• Maintain the directory of services, contract register and external returns log.

• Coordinate responses to information requests, reports and returns.

• Communicate requirements and deadlines to Service Managers.

• Support Trust teams with contract documentation as required.

• Assist Finance with completing NHS returns within required timescales and legal requirements.

• Support the Senior Contracts Manager and work towards agreed objectives within relevant professional policies.

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

Details

Date posted

01 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time,

Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-26-0694

Job locations

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

The post holder

will -

Provide

comprehensive administrative support, working as a member of the finance team, assisting

the Senior Contracts Manager with the development and management of the Trusts

Healthcare Contracts;

Assist in

the development of contract documentation throughout the contracting process, ensuring

that contract documentation is kept up to date, including a record of the

status of all contracts and contract schedules via the contracts register;

Support

the Senior Contracts Manager in putting in place appropriate arrangements for

meeting the monitoring requirements of the contracts, including the compilation

of periodic reports ready for sign-off by Senior Managers;

Support

the Senior Contracts Manager in facilitating contract and performance review

meetings to include ensuring the necessary reports are completed and

disseminated in preparation for meetings;

Assist in

the maintenance of the directory of services;

Support

the Senior Contracts Manager with co-ordinating and collating the responses to

ad hoc requests for information, reports and returns;

Keep the

electronic contract register and external returns log updated and ensure Service

Managers are aware of requirements and deadlines;

Support

any other areas within the Trust on contract documentation as and when required;

Support

the Finance Department with the preparation and completion of NHS returns

within predetermined timescales and legal requirements;

Provide

support to the Senior Contracts Manager as required; and

Work

towards agreed objectives operating within broad professional policies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communication and Working Relationships Skills

The post-holder will help develop and maintain excellent

relationships between the Trust, its Directorate and Service Managers and

the Commissioners of its services, as well as the wider finance team.

Disseminate contract regulations and NHS rules to relevant

parties

To provide and receive routine factual information and

reports relating to the contracting service, requiring tact and persuasive

skills to overcome communication barriers, influence stakeholders to provide

timely information, and support the achievement of agreed deadlines.

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

Support

the development and maintenance of contractual information for the Trust,

highlighting potential areas for escalating concerns or issues to senior

colleagues where appropriate.

Assist

in identifying and investigating issues relating to contracts, using a

structured approach to problem solving and escalating complex matters to the Senior

Contracts Manager.

Planning and Organisational Skills

Be able to prioritise processes in times of pressure.

Plan own workload to ensure weekly, monthly,

quarterly and annual external returns are received and recorded on the external

returns log.

Assist with

the submission of external returns as required.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy

Limited or incidental contact with patients and

clients.

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation

Support the department in the development and improvement of contracting procedures,

systems and processes.

Assist the Senior Contracts Manager with

ensuring that Senior Managers are made aware of any changes to reporting

requirements arising from contractual arrangements.

Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources

Be responsible

for systems, processes and procedures for relevant finance functions in

accordance with Trust policies.

Monitor

and contribute to the maintaining of the financial external returns log

ensuring all statutory returns recorded.

Responsible for systems, processes and procedures

for relevant finance contracting

function in accordance with Trust policies.

Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management

Undertake training and participate in regular

supervisions as required.

Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties

Input financial/contractual data into

computerised and paper databases/systems; create relevant reports and

upload and down load from systems such as Lark.

Undertake relevant contract function

processes and procedures in line with internal control procedures.

Responsibility for Research and Development

Contribute to any proposed changes in the design of contractual

systems and processes to enhance the performance of the team and the Trust.

Freedom to Act

Work within Trust policies and procedures.

Any Other Specific Tasks Required

n/a

Job responsibilities

The post holder

will -

Provide

comprehensive administrative support, working as a member of the finance team, assisting

the Senior Contracts Manager with the development and management of the Trusts

Healthcare Contracts;

Assist in

the development of contract documentation throughout the contracting process, ensuring

that contract documentation is kept up to date, including a record of the

status of all contracts and contract schedules via the contracts register;

Support

the Senior Contracts Manager in putting in place appropriate arrangements for

meeting the monitoring requirements of the contracts, including the compilation

of periodic reports ready for sign-off by Senior Managers;

Support

the Senior Contracts Manager in facilitating contract and performance review

meetings to include ensuring the necessary reports are completed and

disseminated in preparation for meetings;

Assist in

the maintenance of the directory of services;

Support

the Senior Contracts Manager with co-ordinating and collating the responses to

ad hoc requests for information, reports and returns;

Keep the

electronic contract register and external returns log updated and ensure Service

Managers are aware of requirements and deadlines;

Support

any other areas within the Trust on contract documentation as and when required;

Support

the Finance Department with the preparation and completion of NHS returns

within predetermined timescales and legal requirements;

Provide

support to the Senior Contracts Manager as required; and

Work

towards agreed objectives operating within broad professional policies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communication and Working Relationships Skills

The post-holder will help develop and maintain excellent

relationships between the Trust, its Directorate and Service Managers and

the Commissioners of its services, as well as the wider finance team.

Disseminate contract regulations and NHS rules to relevant

parties

To provide and receive routine factual information and

reports relating to the contracting service, requiring tact and persuasive

skills to overcome communication barriers, influence stakeholders to provide

timely information, and support the achievement of agreed deadlines.

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

Support

the development and maintenance of contractual information for the Trust,

highlighting potential areas for escalating concerns or issues to senior

colleagues where appropriate.

Assist

in identifying and investigating issues relating to contracts, using a

structured approach to problem solving and escalating complex matters to the Senior

Contracts Manager.

Planning and Organisational Skills

Be able to prioritise processes in times of pressure.

Plan own workload to ensure weekly, monthly,

quarterly and annual external returns are received and recorded on the external

returns log.

Assist with

the submission of external returns as required.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy

Limited or incidental contact with patients and

clients.

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation

Support the department in the development and improvement of contracting procedures,

systems and processes.

Assist the Senior Contracts Manager with

ensuring that Senior Managers are made aware of any changes to reporting

requirements arising from contractual arrangements.

Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources

Be responsible

for systems, processes and procedures for relevant finance functions in

accordance with Trust policies.

Monitor

and contribute to the maintaining of the financial external returns log

ensuring all statutory returns recorded.

Responsible for systems, processes and procedures

for relevant finance contracting

function in accordance with Trust policies.

Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management

Undertake training and participate in regular

supervisions as required.

Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties

Input financial/contractual data into

computerised and paper databases/systems; create relevant reports and

upload and down load from systems such as Lark.

Undertake relevant contract function

processes and procedures in line with internal control procedures.

Responsibility for Research and Development

Contribute to any proposed changes in the design of contractual

systems and processes to enhance the performance of the team and the Trust.

Freedom to Act

Work within Trust policies and procedures.

Any Other Specific Tasks Required

n/a

Person Specification

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to present information in a manner that is understandable to a wide audience.
• Willingness to embrace new ways of working/changes.
• Understanding and respect of confidentiality in the workplace.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Attention to detail/quality.
• Ability to exercise initiative operating within procedural guideline.
• Ability to work without direct supervision on a day to day basis.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise own tasks, exercising a degree of independence, initiative and judgement without direct supervision.
• Self motivated and able to work individually or as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver to tight timescales under pressure.
• Ability to respond quickly to changes in work priorities at short notice.
• Able to work in an office environment.
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time whilst dealing with interruptions and switch tasks quickly.
• The post requires developed physical skills to fulfil duties where there is a specific requirement for speed or accuracy particularly when compiling contractual returns.
• Adaptable in continuous change and able to learn quickly.
• Advanced keyboard skills.

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience of working within an administrative team.
• Experience of dealing with confidential and complex information.

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in a Healthcare or Social Care administrative setting.
• Experience of the management and administration of contracts.
• Experience of developing effective relationships and contract arrangements in an environment challenged by limited funding.
• Experience within the Finance or Contracting function of the NHS.

Qualifications

Essential

• Business Administration Level 3/ T Level qualification in Management and Administration, or equivalent experience.
• GCSE English or equivalent.

Desirable

• Experience in a range of settings, both NHS and other.

Knowledge

Essential

• Intermediate IT skills in Microsoft Office Packages, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Demonstrate good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Working knowledge of a range of administrative procedures including diary management and arranging meetings.
• Electronic data base management.
• Ability to manage diverse workload whilst dealing with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to meet deadlines and to work under pressure.
• Exceptional organisational skills and ability to prioritise.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Understanding of NHS targets, and the processes through which they are delivered.
• Understanding of the legal/NHS/Foundation Trust framework for Healthcare contracts.
• Understanding of information systems and processes required to support contract administration.

Person Specification

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to present information in a manner that is understandable to a wide audience.
• Willingness to embrace new ways of working/changes.
• Understanding and respect of confidentiality in the workplace.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Attention to detail/quality.
• Ability to exercise initiative operating within procedural guideline.
• Ability to work without direct supervision on a day to day basis.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise own tasks, exercising a degree of independence, initiative and judgement without direct supervision.
• Self motivated and able to work individually or as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver to tight timescales under pressure.
• Ability to respond quickly to changes in work priorities at short notice.
• Able to work in an office environment.
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time whilst dealing with interruptions and switch tasks quickly.
• The post requires developed physical skills to fulfil duties where there is a specific requirement for speed or accuracy particularly when compiling contractual returns.
• Adaptable in continuous change and able to learn quickly.
• Advanced keyboard skills.

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience of working within an administrative team.
• Experience of dealing with confidential and complex information.

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in a Healthcare or Social Care administrative setting.
• Experience of the management and administration of contracts.
• Experience of developing effective relationships and contract arrangements in an environment challenged by limited funding.
• Experience within the Finance or Contracting function of the NHS.

Qualifications

Essential

• Business Administration Level 3/ T Level qualification in Management and Administration, or equivalent experience.
• GCSE English or equivalent.

Desirable

• Experience in a range of settings, both NHS and other.

Knowledge

Essential

• Intermediate IT skills in Microsoft Office Packages, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Demonstrate good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Working knowledge of a range of administrative procedures including diary management and arranging meetings.
• Electronic data base management.
• Ability to manage diverse workload whilst dealing with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to meet deadlines and to work under pressure.
• Exceptional organisational skills and ability to prioritise.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Understanding of NHS targets, and the processes through which they are delivered.
• Understanding of the legal/NHS/Foundation Trust framework for Healthcare contracts.
• Understanding of information systems and processes required to support contract administration.

Employer details

Employer name

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

The post holder

will -

Provide

comprehensive administrative support, working as a member of the finance team, assisting

the Senior Contracts Manager with the development and management of the Trusts

Healthcare Contracts;

Assist in

the development of contract documentation throughout the contracting process, ensuring

that contract documentation is kept up to date, including a record of the

status of all contracts and contract schedules via the contracts register;

Support

the Senior Contracts Manager in putting in place appropriate arrangements for

meeting the monitoring requirements of the contracts, including the compilation

of periodic reports ready for sign-off by Senior Managers;

Support

the Senior Contracts Manager in facilitating contract and performance review

meetings to include ensuring the necessary reports are completed and

disseminated in preparation for meetings;

Assist in

the maintenance of the directory of services;

Support

the Senior Contracts Manager with co-ordinating and collating the responses to

ad hoc requests for information, reports and returns;

Keep the

electronic contract register and external returns log updated and ensure Service

Managers are aware of requirements and deadlines;

Support

any other areas within the Trust on contract documentation as and when required;

Support

the Finance Department with the preparation and completion of NHS returns

within predetermined timescales and legal requirements;

Provide

support to the Senior Contracts Manager as required; and

Work

towards agreed objectives operating within broad professional policies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communication and Working Relationships Skills

The post-holder will help develop and maintain excellent

relationships between the Trust, its Directorate and Service Managers and

the Commissioners of its services, as well as the wider finance team.

Disseminate contract regulations and NHS rules to relevant

parties

To provide and receive routine factual information and

reports relating to the contracting service, requiring tact and persuasive

skills to overcome communication barriers, influence stakeholders to provide

timely information, and support the achievement of agreed deadlines.

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

Support

the development and maintenance of contractual information for the Trust,

highlighting potential areas for escalating concerns or issues to senior

colleagues where appropriate.

Assist

in identifying and investigating issues relating to contracts, using a

structured approach to problem solving and escalating complex matters to the Senior

Contracts Manager.

Planning and Organisational Skills

Be able to prioritise processes in times of pressure.

Plan own workload to ensure weekly, monthly,

quarterly and annual external returns are received and recorded on the external

returns log.

Assist with

the submission of external returns as required.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy

Limited or incidental contact with patients and

clients.

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation

Support the department in the development and improvement of contracting procedures,

systems and processes.

Assist the Senior Contracts Manager with

ensuring that Senior Managers are made aware of any changes to reporting

requirements arising from contractual arrangements.

Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources

Be responsible

for systems, processes and procedures for relevant finance functions in

accordance with Trust policies.

Monitor

and contribute to the maintaining of the financial external returns log

ensuring all statutory returns recorded.

Responsible for systems, processes and procedures

for relevant finance contracting

function in accordance with Trust policies.

Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management

Undertake training and participate in regular

supervisions as required.

Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties

Input financial/contractual data into

computerised and paper databases/systems; create relevant reports and

upload and down load from systems such as Lark.

Undertake relevant contract function

processes and procedures in line with internal control procedures.

Responsibility for Research and Development

Contribute to any proposed changes in the design of contractual

systems and processes to enhance the performance of the team and the Trust.

Freedom to Act

Work within Trust policies and procedures.

Any Other Specific Tasks Required

n/a

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to present information in a manner that is understandable to a wide audience.
• Willingness to embrace new ways of working/changes.
• Understanding and respect of confidentiality in the workplace.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Attention to detail/quality.
• Ability to exercise initiative operating within procedural guideline.
• Ability to work without direct supervision on a day to day basis.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise own tasks, exercising a degree of independence, initiative and judgement without direct supervision.
• Self motivated and able to work individually or as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver to tight timescales under pressure.
• Ability to respond quickly to changes in work priorities at short notice.
• Able to work in an office environment.
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time whilst dealing with interruptions and switch tasks quickly.
• The post requires developed physical skills to fulfil duties where there is a specific requirement for speed or accuracy particularly when compiling contractual returns.
• Adaptable in continuous change and able to learn quickly.
• Advanced keyboard skills.

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience of working within an administrative team.
• Experience of dealing with confidential and complex information.

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in a Healthcare or Social Care administrative setting.
• Experience of the management and administration of contracts.
• Experience of developing effective relationships and contract arrangements in an environment challenged by limited funding.
• Experience within the Finance or Contracting function of the NHS.

Qualifications

Essential

• Business Administration Level 3/ T Level qualification in Management and Administration, or equivalent experience.
• GCSE English or equivalent.

Desirable

• Experience in a range of settings, both NHS and other.

Knowledge

Essential

• Intermediate IT skills in Microsoft Office Packages, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Demonstrate good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Working knowledge of a range of administrative procedures including diary management and arranging meetings.
• Electronic data base management.
• Ability to manage diverse workload whilst dealing with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to meet deadlines and to work under pressure.
• Exceptional organisational skills and ability to prioritise.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Understanding of NHS targets, and the processes through which they are delivered.
• Understanding of the legal/NHS/Foundation Trust framework for Healthcare contracts.
• Understanding of information systems and processes required to support contract administration.