999 - Dispatch Support Assistant - Bicester

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust; Bicester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS benefits

27-33 days annual leave (pro rata)

Free parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Dispatch Support Assistant to join the Emergency Operations Centre in Bicester, Oxfordshire. You will coordinate ambulance resources, monitor operational activity and support crews responding to a wide range of incidents.

No prior ambulance service experience is required; you should stay calm under pressure, be resilient, work well in a team, and have a genuine desire to help others.

Qualifications

• GCSE maths and English at minimum grade 4–9.
• NHS Pathways Licence required.
• NVQ 2/3 in Customer Care or Call Handling Operations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ambulance resources and monitor operational activity.
• Support crews responding to a wide range of incidents.
• Act as a link between Emergency Call Takers, frontline crews and partner services.
• Be prepared for a 24/7 rotating shift pattern.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Resilience

Teamwork

Helpful attitude

Education

GCSE Maths and English

NHS Pathways Licence

NVQ 2/3 in Customer Care

Job description

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

999 - Dispatch Support Assistant - Bicester

The closing date is 22 November 2026

When someone dials 999, every second matters. Behind every ambulance response is a dedicated team working together to get help to patients as quickly and safely as possible. As a Dispatch Support Assistant, you could play a vital role in making that happen.

We are looking for motivated and resilient individuals to join our Emergency Operations Centre in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Who are looking to commence on our 22nd February2027 training course.

Working alongside Emergency Dispatchers, you will help coordinate ambulance resources, monitor operational activity, and support crews responding to a wide range of incidents. Acting as a vital link between Emergency Call Takers, frontline ambulance crews and partner emergency services, you will help ensure patients receive the right response at the right time

This is a fast-paced and rewarding role where no two days are the same. Supporting responses to emergencies and major incidents, you'll work as part of a dedicated team helping patients receive the care they need.

Please note:

• This role is based at our Emergency Operations Centre in Bicester, Oxfordshire and does not support remote or home working.
• Successful candidates must be able to work a rotating shift pattern covering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

To learn more about the role, please watch our Dispatch Support Assistant video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38mfMayAW84

Main duties of the job

If you're looking for a career that will challenge you, develop you, and give you the opportunity to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

You don't need ambulance service or healthcare experience. We're looking for people with:

• The ability to stay calm under pressure
• Resilience
• A positive, team-focused approach
• A genuine desire to help others

About us

Why You'll Love Working with Us

Starting at £13.17 per hour, plus generous NHS pay enhancements:

• +35% uplift(up to £17.78/hr):Saturdays & weekday nights
• +69% uplift(up to £22.26/hr):Sundays & bank holidays

And of course -- the full package ofNHS benefits, including:

• 27-33 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Free parking
• Employee Assistance Programme

This is your chance to build an NHS career with real progression and stability.

Flexible working requests will be considered in line with business requirements.

Job responsibilities

Please review attached job description for further details on this role.

We provide a comprehensive training programme designed to support you every step of the way.

Your Training Journey

• First 2 weeks: Classroom training, MonFri, 08:3016:30
• Next steps:
  • 4 weeks of one-to-one coaching shifts.
  • Calls will be selected randomly for auditing.
  • Final sign-off observation with Education Team.

These will be full-time hours, and attendance is mandatory throughout the programme.

Ready to make a difference?

Join a team that saves lives, supports communities, and values every single person who walks through the door.

If you have any queries relating to disability and the role or recruitment process, get in touch at: [e-mail].

Please note original qualification certificates to meet the person specification for this role will be required, if you dont have copies of these, you will need to request replacement certificates by visiting: gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• GCSE grades 4-9 or equivalent in Maths and English
• NHS Pathways Licence
• NVQ 2/3 in Customer Care, Contact Centre Operations or Call Handling Operations

Knowledge & Experience

• Customer Service experience from a telephone based or face to face role
• Competent in the use of IT systems
• Good Knowledge of geographical area
• Demonstrable ability to multitask and manage competing priorities
• Demonstrable Experience of working in a time pressured environment
• Previous experience of working in an Emergency Communications Centre or Call Centre
• Previous experience of using Emergency Dispatch IT Systems

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.

Employer name

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

£25,760 to £27,476 a yearpro rata per annum