Job summary
- Main area
- Informatics
- Grade
- Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job ref
- 188-THQ030126
- Employer
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- University Hospital Southampton
- Town
- Southampton
- Salary
- £24,937.00-£26,598.00 Per Annum (PA) Pro Rata.
- Closing
- 22/01/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Switchboard Operator
Band 3
Job overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
This role offers the right candidate a fantastic opportunity to start or develop a career in the NHS. We offer full training on all aspects of the role.
Our department provides a professional 24-hour telephony and emergency response service to all internal departments within University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, as well as externally for patients and their relatives. GP emergency admissions, major incidents and fire service calls are all in a day’s work.
You will need to be flexible to work both days/nights and weekends as we are a 24/7 service.
Working for our organisation
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will have first-class communication and prioritisation skills and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where you’ll meet a different challenge every day.
Due to the nature of this role and service, this role is on-site and the hours are as advertised.
Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service.
Shifts vary from week to week, but you will receive your rota 12 weeks in advance, covering a combination of shifts: days, evenings, nights weekends and bank holidays.
Some examples include:
Days: 07:00 - 15:00, 08:00 - 16:00 or 10:00 - 18:00
Evenings: 12:00 - 20:00 or 14:00 - 22:00
Nights: 22:00 - 07:00
Weekends and bank holidays: 07:00 - 14:30 or 14:30 - 22:00
You will receive enhanced pay for working nights/weekends.
To be flexible to work both days/nights and weekends as we are a 24/7 service.
The personal drive to work independently, but with the support of an established team.
The ability to think rationally and logically when responding to emergency situations and a keen eye for detail.
The ambition to learn every day and a track record of dealing with the public in a customer-focused environment.
This role offers the right candidate a fantastic opportunity to start or develop a career in the NHS. We offer full training on all aspects of the role.
Our department provides a professional 24-hour telephony and emergency response service to all internal departments within University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, as well as externally for patients and their relatives. GP emergency admissions, major incidents and fire service calls are all in a day’s work.
Person specification
Trust Values
Essential criteria
- Patient First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications / training required
Essential criteria
- Literacy and numeracy skills that are GCSE standard or equivalent
- Proven work experience in the use of computerised technology
Desirable criteria
- Qualifications in using Microsoft windows applications/excel/email
- Understanding and knowledge of confidentiality issues/data protection
- Customer care or similar discipline
Previous or relevant experience necessary
Essential criteria
- Consistent and relevant employment history of dealing with the general public in a customer focused environment
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working in a predominately telephone based environment e.g. Switchboard/Contact Centre
- NVQ in Customer Care or equivalent experience
- Previous work within emergency response/situations
- Knowledge of Hospital/NHS terminology
- Experience with working with computer desktop applications
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Carmen Williams
- Job title
- Supervisor
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 023 8120 8989
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