University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Switchboard Operator

The closing date is 22 January 2026

Job summary

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.

About us

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.

Details

Date posted

09 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Per Annum (PA) Pro Rata.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

188-THQ030126

Job locations

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Job description

Job responsibilities

You will have first-class communication and prioritisation skills and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where youll 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 whats 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 - 18:00Evenings: 12:00 - 20:00 or 14:00 - 22:00Nights: 22:00 - 07:00Weekends and bank holidays: 07:00 - 14:30 or 14:30 - 22:00You 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 days work.

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will have first-class communication and prioritisation skills and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where youll 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 whats 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 - 18:00Evenings: 12:00 - 20:00 or 14:00 - 22:00Nights: 22:00 - 07:00Weekends and bank holidays: 07:00 - 14:30 or 14:30 - 22:00You 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 days work.

Person Specification

Trust Values

Essential

  • Patient First
  • Always Improving
  • Working Together

Qualifications / training required

Essential

  • Literacy and numeracy skills that are GCSE standard or equivalent
  • Proven work experience in the use of computerised technology

Desirable

  • 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

  • Consistent and relevant employment history of dealing with the general public in a customer focused environment

Desirable

  • 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
Person Specification

Trust Values

Essential

  • Patient First
  • Always Improving
  • Working Together

Qualifications / training required

Essential

  • Literacy and numeracy skills that are GCSE standard or equivalent
  • Proven work experience in the use of computerised technology

Desirable

  • 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

  • Consistent and relevant employment history of dealing with the general public in a customer focused environment

Desirable

  • 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

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Employer's website

https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Employer's website

https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Supervisor

Carmen Williams

stl@uhs.nhs.uk

02381208989

Details

Date posted

09 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Per Annum (PA) Pro Rata.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

188-THQ030126

Job locations

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)