Switchboard Operator

NHS; Chichester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Chichester is seeking a Switchboard Operator to manage a high volume of calls around the clock. The role requires excellent communication and customer service skills, along with a GCSE in English. The operator will respond to emergency calls, maintain log documentation, and ensure effective communication across various teams. A resilient candidate who can work under pressure is encouraged to apply. Competitive pay conditions and a supportive working environment are provided.

Benefits

Flexible working to support work-life balance

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Proven customer service skills and excellent telephone manner are essential.
• Must have GCSE grade C or above in English.
• IT knowledge is necessary to operate PC-based switchboard systems.

Responsibilities

• Handle all incoming and internal calls professionally and efficiently.
• Respond to emergency calls and alarms as per procedures.
• Maintain accurate log books and documentation for the switchboard services.

Skills

Excellent telephone manner

Proven customer service skills

Resilience

IT knowledge to operate PC based software systems

Clerical experience

Education

GCSE grade C or above in English

Job description

Overview

Switchboard Operator – University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279).

The closing date is 05 January 2026.

Switchboard operates a 24 hour a day service across 365 days of the year. Answering all incoming and internal calls to the Trust in a responsive and professional manner, ensuring requests are dealt with quickly and efficiently. The weekly call volumes are anywhere between 10,000 - 13,000 calls as well as connecting internal teams together.

We are the first point of contact for worried patients, concerned family members, the public and professional services and partnership organisations who contact the Trust as well as all internal users.

At times busy and pressured, we put out all Emergency team alerts across the hospitals ensuring the correct staff are contacted as a priority. We also prepare the on-call rota for the Trust to use. We monitor and report all hospital alarms from Fire alarms to people stuck in lifts, to gas cylinders that need changing. The operators have to be very resilient and patient, dealing with very emotional, frustrated and angry callers at times.

Should you require additional support with completing your application, please contact the Facilities and Estates Recruitment Team via email provided by the applicant support section.

Before applying for the position, please review the job description and person specifications to ensure your qualifications and experience meet the required criteria.

Main duties of the job

• You will be responsible for handling calls in a professional manner, responding effectively to emergency calls, alarms and incident procedures. Effectively making decisions in a calm and efficient manner.
• You will require an excellent telephone manner and proven customer service skills as well as a GCSE grade C or above in English. A good level of keyboard skills is required and previous switchboard/ IT knowledge is preferred as the switchboard is pc based although specific training will be provided.
• The position is contracted at 24 hours a week and you must be available to work a set rota pattern, on a 9 week rolling pattern which will be a combination of all shift timings stated below - days, lates , nights, weekends and bank holidays.
• Day shifts will be between the hours of 08:00 - 17:30 (shifts will vary from 4 hours - 8.5 hours). Late shift is 15:00 - 22:00. Night shift is 22:00 - 08:00. Night shifts, late shifts from 17:30 and weekends are lone working once trained. You will receive enhanced pay from 20:00 - 08:00 Monday - Friday and also at weekends.
• N.B Training can take a few months working day shifts only

About us

At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

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 candidate information pack and 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 UHSx 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.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSx.

Job 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.

• To answer all incoming and internal calls to the Trust in a responsive and professional manner, ensuring requests are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
• To carry out all processes and procedures which involve the Switchboard Services, including (where applicable), but not limited to operating Emergency Procedures, including Cardiac Arrest, Fire and Major Incident Plan.
• The proper and effective response is made to alarms monitored within Switchboard Services, including medical alarms, boiler alarms and security alarms.
• Manage, where applicable the maintenance and or replacement of all equipment and keys quickly and effectively, according to the procedure.
• Report all telephone, bleep, pager and call logging system faults appropriately, testing lines and equipment and notifying the appropriate Team/Provider.
• Report any and all defects to any system or infrastructure within Switchboard Services to the relevant department/stakeholder using the appropriate instructions/procedures.
• The completion of all log books and other formal recording documentation held within Switchboard Services is maintained accurately and effectively at all times.
• Issue bleeps and pagers according to the current procedure and update the directory of holders. Testing and identifying maintenance requirements of equipment and issuing replacement batteries, as required.
• Carry out implementation of any change in administrative requirements to improve the operational efficiency of the Switchboard Services professionally, without impacting the service, the staff or the general public.
• To carry out any other duties that may be required of the post in order for the Switchboard Services to be carried out properly and effectively.

Person Specification

Knowledge

• IT knowledge to operate PC based software systems
• Clerical experience

Interview

• GCSE grade C or above - English
• Knowledge/Training/Experience
• Communications

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

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

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)