Communications Operative

University Hospitals Sussex; Haywards Heath; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Main Area Communications Operative (Switchboard) Band 3. This full-time role involves a 37.5-hour week across a 24/7 service, with a 12-month fixed-term/secondment contract.

Salary range £25,760–£27,476 per annum pro rata, with site preference requested in the application. The post requires professional communication with patients, public and hospital staff, operating telephony and IT systems, and delivering timely responses and

Qualifications

• GCSE English or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and telephone manner.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.

Responsibilities

• Operate switchboard and computerised communications systems.
• Respond to calls and monitor medical and service alarms.
• Provide helpdesk support and activate emergency procedures when required.
• Deliver professional customer service to patients and staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Switchboard experience

IT skills

Education

GCSE English

Tools

Outlook

Job description

Main area Communications Operative (Switchboard) Grade Band 3 Contract 12 months (Fixed term/Secondment Full time) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (The contracted hours are 37.5 hours per week, with shifts scheduled across a 24/7 service.) Job ref 279-8256456-OCT26

Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Haywards Heath and Brighton Salary £25,760 - £27,476 Per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 29/10/2026 08:00

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values . We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research , we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1

Job overview

** Please state what your preferred site would be in your application (PRH or RSCH)**

Band 3 - plus extra unsocial hour’s enhancements pay for working night shifts.

The telephony staff are normally the initial contact between members of the public, patients, and hospital personnel. The post holder will be required to actively promote a positive and professional image and attitude to both internal and external callers at all times. They will be required to promote a professional manner and communicate effectively with patients, members of the public, GP’s, trust staff, departments, visitors, and suppliers.

Telephony staff are required to operate various computerized systems where IT skills are required, to operate all departmental communication systems and undertake all Switchboard and Telecoms clerical duties.

Main duties of the job

Switchboard Operators are an integral part of a professional team delivering a vital 24-hour communications and support service. Working within a dynamic and fast-paced environment, Operators use a computerised communications system to respond to calls, monitor medical and service alarms, provide helpdesk support, and activate emergency procedures when required. The role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise effectively while managing multiple tasks. Operators play a key role in ensuring that emergency response, alarm monitoring, and support services are delivered efficiently and to a high standard at all times. Working both independently and as part of a team, Operators are trusted to use their initiative and judgement when responding to incidents, resolving issues, and supporting service users. The ability to remain calm, focused and professional in changing situations is essential. While the team strives to meet agreed response times, Operators are adaptable and resilient, responding effectively to fluctuations in demand and unexpected situations to maintain continuity of service across the 24-hour operation.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

This vacancy is advertised as a time-limited opportunity is expected to be undertaken on a secondment basis.Before applying, employees must discuss the opportunity with their current line manager to confirm whether they may be released from their substantive role if successful. Release to undertake a secondment is not an automatic entitlement and must be agreed by all relevant parties: the employee, their current line manager, and the recruiting line manager.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.

If you do not meet the sponsorship requirements, and you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Operators are often the first point of contact for patients, members of the public and hospital staff, playing a vital role in delivering an excellent customer experience. The post holder will actively promote a positive and professional image of the Trust, providing a courteous, responsive and high-quality service to all callers and service users. The successful candidate will communicate confidently and effectively with patients, members of the public, GPs, Trust staff, departments, visitors and suppliers, ensuring enquiries are handled efficiently and professionally at all times. Working as part of a dedicated team, Operators support the delivery of a 24-hour communication service. Responsibilities include operating computerised communication systems, responding to calls, monitoring medical and service alarms, providing helpdesk support and activating emergency procedures when required. The role is varied and fast-paced, requiring the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism. Operators are trusted to work independently and use their initiative when responding to incidents, resolving issues and making timely decisions. The ability to remain calm, adaptable and focused in a busy environment is essential to ensuring service standards and response times are maintained. The role requires confidence in using a range of computerised systems and communication technologies. Operators are responsible for the effective operation of departmental communication systems and will undertake a variety of Switchboard and Telecoms administrative duties.

• Flexible and commitment to work 24/7/365 shifts
• Agree/Confirm requirements of the JD
• GCSE grade C or above – English or equivalent work experience that demonstrates this level
• Knowledge of Outlook/email/ IT skills
• Knowledge of medical terminology

Flexible and commitment to work 24/7/365 shifts

• Switchboard / Telephone experience

Flexible and commitment to work 24/7/365 shifts

• Agree work flexible shifts

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications

UHSussex values authenticity and encourages applicants to ensure that all application materials accurately reflect their own skills, experience, knowledge and motivations. Candidates may use AI and digital tools to support the preparation of applications, for example to assist with spelling, grammar, structure or accessibility needs. However, applicants remain responsible for the content submitted and should ensure that it genuinely represents their own abilities and experience. Where there are reasonable concerns that an application does not authentically reflect the applicant's own knowledge, skills, experience or suitability for the role, the Trust reserves the right to explore this further and, where authenticity cannot be satisfactorily demonstrated, to reject the application.

Bank workers: Bank workers are welcome to apply for any of our vacancies but please note if you are successful at interview there will be a delay in confirming a start date due to the Trust's current financial controls.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].