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University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Portering Support Manager

The closing date is 08 February 2026

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Job summary

We're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our Facilities leadership team as a key member of the Portering Management Team at University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP).

In this role, you'll help lead and manage the day-to-day delivery of our Portering Services, ensuring that patients, equipment, and essential items move safely and efficiently around the hospital. Working alongside the Portering Manager, you'll play a central role in delivering a high-quality, responsive, and professional service that supports excellent patient care.

You'll also be part of the wider Site Services Directorate, contributing to ongoing service improvement projects that make a real difference for our patients, carers, and colleagues. This is a fantastic opportunity to use your leadership and priortising skills in a fast-paced, people-focused environment where no two days are the same.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

Main Duties of the Job

  • Provide day-to-day operational leadership, supporting the Portering Manager in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality services across the Trust.

  • Line manage Team Leaders, ensuring effective staff allocation and support across all areas of service delivery.

  • Work collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical teams, including the Command Centre, Site Team, Infection Control, Matrons, and Department Managers, to maintain service standards and respond to operational needs.

  • Help achieve key performance targets, ensuring compliance with Trust policies and national standards.

  • Support continuous improvement by identifying and implementing more efficient, patient-centred ways of working.

  • Ensure policies and procedures are up to date and reflect best practice and current legislation.

  • Oversee core portering activities, including:

    • Safe movement of patients by bed, trolley, or wheelchair.

    • Transportation of waste, linen, gases, patient records, and hospital equipment.

  • Contribute to managing a team of approximately 140 staff, supporting a £3.7 million service budget.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details

Date posted

23 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-YM-CO7612071

Job locations

Derriford Hospital

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY CORPORATE

Provide strong and visible leadership across portering services, promoting professionalism, motivation, and alignment with Trust values. Support the management team in developing and implementing Service Development Plans, cost-saving initiatives, and performance targets. Lead on service improvements within areas of responsibility, ensuring continued review and alignment with national and local standards. Uphold NHS managerial codes of conduct, Trust policies, and governance frameworks. Act as a role model and ambassador, fostering collaboration, quality improvement, and efficiency across all service areas.

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

Support the day-to-day management of portering operations, ensuring effective staff allocation, performance, and service delivery across all Trust sites. Ensure compliance with Infection Control, Health & Safety, and other legal requirements, maintaining risk assessments and safe working systems. Oversee staff training in areas such as manual handling, gas safety, and sample collection. Develop and review SLAs, SOPs, and work schedules to ensure service quality and cost efficiency.Coordinate departmental responses to major incidents and emergencies. Monitor performance data to identify improvement opportunities and deliver service efficiencies. Maintain partnerships with clinical and corporate departments, ensuring portering services support Trust priorities. Investigate complaints and incidents effectively, sharing learning outcomes. Support benchmarking, policy implementation, and continuous improvement in line with Trust action plans and regulatory requirements.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

Provide leadership and direct line management for supervisory teams, ensuring effective recruitment, induction, appraisal, and development processes. Manage performance, conduct, and sickness in line with Trust policies. Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive culture that supports staff wellbeing and engagement. Encourage staff participation in decision-making through clear communication and feedback. Ensure compliance with HR procedures and uphold the Trusts behavioural standards.Develop leadership and management capability within the department to drive improvement and service transformation. Monitor progress against plans, ensuring timely delivery to quality and cost standards. Support change initiatives that are patient-focused and aligned to Trust values.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Support financial and operational planning across the department, ensuring efficient use of resources and effective budget control. Oversee stock management, authorise rosters and hours worked, and ensure compliance with Trust Standing Financial Instructions. Contribute to financial performance targets and support delivery of cost improvement plans.

COMMUNICATION & PATIENT INVOLVEMENT

Foster effective communication across all levels of staff and with external partners. Support mechanisms for gathering patient and public feedback to inform service development. Handle sensitive information appropriately, promoting transparency and cooperation. Represent the department in management and leadership meetings, ensuring service alignment with Trust objectives.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Ensure accurate collection, analysis, and reporting of performance and quality data using systems such as Healthroster and Synbiotix. Promote staff competency in IT systems and work with IT teams to enhance service efficiency through digital tools.Analyse service data to identify trends, develop reports, and recommend improvements. Maintain compliance with Trust Governance, Risk Management, and Data Protection requirements. Ensure policies and practices reflect current legislation, research, and best practice in facilities management.

OTHER PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Effectively manage own workload and competing priorities, maintaining high standards of performance and professionalism. Stay up to date with evidence-based best practice in portering and facilities management. Promote a culture of optimism, confidence, and continuous learning within the team.

ALL JOB HOLDERS ARE REQUIRED TO:

  • Work to the Trust values: Put patients first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn, and improve.

  • Adhere to Trust policies (e.g., Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Infection Control).

  • Maintain personal and professional development, completing mandatory training.

  • Respect confidentiality and comply with the Data Protection Act and Corporate Governance principles.

  • Follow professional codes of conduct and the Trust Risk Management Framework.

  • Safeguard children and vulnerable adults, completing required training.

  • Ensure infection prevention and control standards are upheld.

  • Maintain accurate records compliant with legal and professional standards.

ALL MANAGERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

  • Assessing and managing risks within their area of responsibility.

  • Enabling staff attendance at essential training.

  • Managing attendance and sickness in line with Trust policies.

  • Supporting a safe, efficient, and compassionate working environment aligned to Trust values.

Job description

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY CORPORATE

Provide strong and visible leadership across portering services, promoting professionalism, motivation, and alignment with Trust values. Support the management team in developing and implementing Service Development Plans, cost-saving initiatives, and performance targets. Lead on service improvements within areas of responsibility, ensuring continued review and alignment with national and local standards. Uphold NHS managerial codes of conduct, Trust policies, and governance frameworks. Act as a role model and ambassador, fostering collaboration, quality improvement, and efficiency across all service areas.

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

Support the day-to-day management of portering operations, ensuring effective staff allocation, performance, and service delivery across all Trust sites. Ensure compliance with Infection Control, Health & Safety, and other legal requirements, maintaining risk assessments and safe working systems. Oversee staff training in areas such as manual handling, gas safety, and sample collection. Develop and review SLAs, SOPs, and work schedules to ensure service quality and cost efficiency.Coordinate departmental responses to major incidents and emergencies. Monitor performance data to identify improvement opportunities and deliver service efficiencies. Maintain partnerships with clinical and corporate departments, ensuring portering services support Trust priorities. Investigate complaints and incidents effectively, sharing learning outcomes. Support benchmarking, policy implementation, and continuous improvement in line with Trust action plans and regulatory requirements.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

Provide leadership and direct line management for supervisory teams, ensuring effective recruitment, induction, appraisal, and development processes. Manage performance, conduct, and sickness in line with Trust policies. Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive culture that supports staff wellbeing and engagement. Encourage staff participation in decision-making through clear communication and feedback. Ensure compliance with HR procedures and uphold the Trusts behavioural standards.Develop leadership and management capability within the department to drive improvement and service transformation. Monitor progress against plans, ensuring timely delivery to quality and cost standards. Support change initiatives that are patient-focused and aligned to Trust values.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Support financial and operational planning across the department, ensuring efficient use of resources and effective budget control. Oversee stock management, authorise rosters and hours worked, and ensure compliance with Trust Standing Financial Instructions. Contribute to financial performance targets and support delivery of cost improvement plans.

COMMUNICATION & PATIENT INVOLVEMENT

Foster effective communication across all levels of staff and with external partners. Support mechanisms for gathering patient and public feedback to inform service development. Handle sensitive information appropriately, promoting transparency and cooperation. Represent the department in management and leadership meetings, ensuring service alignment with Trust objectives.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Ensure accurate collection, analysis, and reporting of performance and quality data using systems such as Healthroster and Synbiotix. Promote staff competency in IT systems and work with IT teams to enhance service efficiency through digital tools.Analyse service data to identify trends, develop reports, and recommend improvements. Maintain compliance with Trust Governance, Risk Management, and Data Protection requirements. Ensure policies and practices reflect current legislation, research, and best practice in facilities management.

OTHER PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Effectively manage own workload and competing priorities, maintaining high standards of performance and professionalism. Stay up to date with evidence-based best practice in portering and facilities management. Promote a culture of optimism, confidence, and continuous learning within the team.

ALL JOB HOLDERS ARE REQUIRED TO:

  • Work to the Trust values: Put patients first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn, and improve.

  • Adhere to Trust policies (e.g., Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Infection Control).

  • Maintain personal and professional development, completing mandatory training.

  • Respect confidentiality and comply with the Data Protection Act and Corporate Governance principles.

  • Follow professional codes of conduct and the Trust Risk Management Framework.

  • Safeguard children and vulnerable adults, completing required training.

  • Ensure infection prevention and control standards are upheld.

  • Maintain accurate records compliant with legal and professional standards.

ALL MANAGERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

  • Assessing and managing risks within their area of responsibility.

  • Enabling staff attendance at essential training.

  • Managing attendance and sickness in line with Trust policies.

  • Supporting a safe, efficient, and compassionate working environment aligned to Trust values.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Vocational level 4 qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience and proven knowledge acquired through training and experience in a relevant field.

Desirable

  • NVQ level 2 or equivalent (or able to work towards obtaining )
  • Suitable qualifications or training undertaken in Risk assessment / Manual handling / BLS / Medical Gases and similar portering requirements

Knowledge

Essential

  • Significant demonstrable experience and record of success in a management or supervisory role.
  • Proven knowledge of full range of work procedures, practices and equipment for portering
  • Demonstrable experience of leading teams and managing staffing issues
  • Demonstrable experience of implementing policy and procedures to improve customer safety and experience
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Vocational level 4 qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience and proven knowledge acquired through training and experience in a relevant field.

Desirable

  • NVQ level 2 or equivalent (or able to work towards obtaining )
  • Suitable qualifications or training undertaken in Risk assessment / Manual handling / BLS / Medical Gases and similar portering requirements

Knowledge

Essential

  • Significant demonstrable experience and record of success in a management or supervisory role.
  • Proven knowledge of full range of work procedures, practices and equipment for portering
  • Demonstrable experience of leading teams and managing staffing issues
  • Demonstrable experience of implementing policy and procedures to improve customer safety and experience

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Derriford Hospital

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Derriford Hospital

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Portering Manager

Louise Pelley

louise.pelley@nhs.net

01752432295

Details

Date posted

23 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-YM-CO7612071

Job locations

Derriford Hospital

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Supporting documents

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