Search for more NHS jobs in Southampton
Job requirements
Essential
7 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Trust Values
Patient First
- Trust Values
Working Together
- Trust Values
Always Improving
- Special requirements of the post
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people and situations. Flexibility with working hours including Bank Holidays/shift patterns. Ability to travel to and from work to meet shift requirements. Able to retain and recall information. Ability to complete a competency assessment criterion providing evidence of learning in a portfolio
- Physical requirements of the post
Health and physical abilities sufficient for the post (if necessary with reasonable adjustments with respect to the Equality Act/Disability Discrimination Act).
- Qualifications / training required
Literacy and numeracy skills that are GCSE standard or equivalent. Proven work experience in the use of computerised technology
- Previous or relevant experience necessary
Consistent and relevant employment history of dealing with the general public in a customer focused environment.
Desirable
3 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Special requirements of the post
Willingness to learn new tasks to develop the role. Continuous refresher training to meet demands of ever changing processes and updates from the wider UHS areas. Able to work additional hours occasionally to meet demands of the service.
- Qualifications / training required
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
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.
Job overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Switchboard Operator
Contract Type: Permanent
Under current Home Office rules, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications.
Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Switchboard Operator at University Hospital Southampton. 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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for operating in the switchboard services and the key responsibilities are providing an excellent 24/7 front of house telephone interface service for the Trust and various external customers including Southampton University, local GP surgeries and Southampton City Council.
You will have first-class communication and prioritisation skills and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where you’ll meet a different challenge every day. 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 - 18:00 Evenings: 12:00 - 20:00 or 14:00 - 22:00 Nights: 22:00 - 07:00 Weekends and bank holidays: 07:00 - 14:30 or 14:30 - 22:00 You 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 day’s work. You will need to be flexible to work both days/nights and weekends as we are a 24/7 service.
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 3 Switchboard operator roles in Southampton
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 Switchboard Operator with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust in Southampton, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Switchboard operator role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 16 Oct 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 (02 Oct 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob 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.