
Job overview
We are excited to offer a full-time opportunity of 37.5 hours per week for a dedicated Portering Shift Manager to join our Portering team at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, based at the Luton site. Shift patterns and rotas will be discussed during the interview stage to ensure the best fit for both you and the service.
As a key member of our team, you will play an essential role in keeping the department running smoothly. This position involves leading, supporting, and supervising our hardworking Portering colleagues as they carry out a wide variety of duties that contribute to the safe, efficient, and compassionate care provided across the hospital. Your leadership will help ensure that patients, visitors, and staff all receive a consistently high-quality service.
This is a lively and physically active role that brings real reward and satisfaction. You will be joining a committed and professional Portering team who take pride in the important work they do each day. Together, you will help maintain a service we are truly proud of, making a positive impact on patient experience and the wider hospital community.
Sponsorship is not available for this vacancy
Main duties of the job
You will work as part of a team contributing to the smooth running of the service, providing an efficient and effective response to request for a patient movement, assistance in emergency situations, collection and delivery of samples and medicines etc. Whilst many of the tasks are generally routine the daily functioning of the service many be unpredictable therefore a flexible approach is essential, and the post holder will be expected to use own initiative.
As a Portering Shift Manager you must be mobile and liaise and communicate with the Portering Manager, portering colleagues, and other departments.
You will be involved in the completion of staff rotas using the Healthroster system, carry out staff appraisals and training whilst supervising the Portering workforce including delegation of work and prioritise.
The Portering Shift Manager is a very important element of the department, and you will work alongside your team, leading by example, always acting in a manner that upholds the Trust’s values and working as part of a team to ensure efficiency and an excellent patient pathway experience.
You will be required, to adhere to departmental and Trust standards in relation to Infection Control and Information Governance.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
He/she is responsible for ensuring that the Portering services are run smoothly and efficiently, liaising as necessary with the Porter Manager and other Managers.
Communicate verbally with Portering Manager and staff by phone, radio and through written procedures, ensuring an effective exchange of information regarding Portering tasks and service needs.
Ensuring prompt, efficient and courteous fulfilment of its commitments.
To communicate with a range of clinical and non-clinical staff, patients and visitors.
To deal with ad hoc requests from Managers for all the above services providing on the spot advice and support as necessary.
Carry out staff appraisals, training, team briefs and Return to Work interviews. Update appraisal plan, appraisal register and Training needs analysis
To prepare rotas and allocate staff in liaison with the Portering Manager. To have interviewing skills & to help in the recruitment of new staff.
To check and verify time sheets and maintain records of sickness, leave, financial payments, completes timesheets for pay; authorises overtime etc. for appropriate staff in liaison with their Line Managers requirements.
To ensure supervision and discipline of Portering services staff is maintained.
To ensure any necessary practical training of Portering services staff is undertaken/arranged.
To ensure the Trust abides by its obligations in relation to Health and Safety and Fire Regulations.
To ensure that the switchboard is manned in accordance with the guidance given by the switchboard Supervisor, covering the switchboard duties as required.
To promote and maintain high standards of performance in Portering services.
To organise the work of the out-of-hours non-clinical services as required ensuring an effective service.
To carry a bleep and radio — arrange for all urgent requests and emergencies to be dealt with quickly, efficiently and effectively.
To be on call as necessary to ensure the effective running of non-clinical services.
Undertake out-of-hours mortuary viewings & bodies’ releases.
You may be required to undertake such other duties commensurate with your grade, as may be reasonably required of you, subject to the operational needs of the Trust.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- People-Management
- Delegation
- Forward Planning
- Prepare rotas and allocating Staff
- Work within budgetary confinements
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of the need of confidentiality awareness at all times.
- Basic Understanding of People.
Experience
Essential
- Experience in dealing with the public/customer care
- Capable of working on own initiative
- Must have previous management/supervisory experience
- Use of Hospital/Portering Equipment
Desirable
- Experience within a Healthcare setting.
- Managed in a healthcare environment previously
- Experience of Infection Control
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE English & Maths
Desirable
- Basic health and safety training
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 3 Manager and Corporate roles in Luton
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Portering Shift Manager with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Luton, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 pa. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 27 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (14 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.
