Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Switchboard Operator

The closing date is 24 November 2025

Job summary

Are you a calm, organised and tech-savvy individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Do you enjoy helping people and being at the heart of critical communications? If so, we'd love to hear from you!

As a Switchboard Operator, you'll be the first point of contact for the Trust, handling over 60,000 calls per month. You'll play a vital role in managing emergency responses including cardiac arrests, major incidents, helicopter landings and more. This is a challenging and rewarding role where no two days are the same.

You'll work with a wide range of stakeholders, from clinicians and senior managers to emergency services and the public, providing a courteous, efficient and professional service at all times.

Main duties of the job

  • Operate complex telecommunication systems including MITEL consoles and paging systems.
  • Respond to emergency calls and alarms with precision and urgency.
  • Maintain accurate records and databases including on-call rotas and emergency logs.
  • Provide Trust ID badges and manage swipe access systems.
  • Support administrative tasks and contribute to service improvements.
  • Work flexibly across shifts including early, late, night and weekend cover.

You'll join a supportive and fast-paced team where your role directly contributes to patient care and emergency response. You'll receive comprehensive training and have opportunities to grow and develop within the Trust, all while making a real difference every day.

Apply now to become a vital part of our communications hub and help keep Musgrove Park Hospital running smoothly, safely and efficiently.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax

A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details

Date posted

10 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-PU-3234

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information about the role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information about the role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Good general education (GCSE's) -- including English and mathematics or equivalent
  • Relevant vocational qualification(equivalent to Microsoft Office MOST, ECDL or related qualification)
  • Vocational level 3 /BTEC) in IM&T or information systems related subject (or relevant experience in IM&T environment)

Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of windows systems, requirement to manipulate data within excel, word, PowerPoint and other bespoke system
  • Switchboard/Call Centre experience.
  • Knowledge and experience on customer services

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Good working knowledge and understanding of PC hardware, operating systems and Microsoft IT packages.
  • Demonstrable comfort with IT systems and a willingness to learn new IT skills
  • Previous experience of healthcare or large complex organisation
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Good general education (GCSE's) -- including English and mathematics or equivalent
  • Relevant vocational qualification(equivalent to Microsoft Office MOST, ECDL or related qualification)
  • Vocational level 3 /BTEC) in IM&T or information systems related subject (or relevant experience in IM&T environment)

Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of windows systems, requirement to manipulate data within excel, word, PowerPoint and other bespoke system
  • Switchboard/Call Centre experience.
  • Knowledge and experience on customer services

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Good working knowledge and understanding of PC hardware, operating systems and Microsoft IT packages.
  • Demonstrable comfort with IT systems and a willingness to learn new IT skills
  • Previous experience of healthcare or large complex organisation

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 details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hiring Manager

Chris Payne

chris.payne@somersetft.nhs.uk

01823343389

Details

Date posted

10 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-PU-3234

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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