At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the voice of Essex Police, handling calls and assisting the public with their needs.
- Company: Join Essex Police, a supportive team dedicated to public service.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £24,747, flexible shifts, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable communication skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and emotional resilience under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 24747 - 24747 £ per year.
Location of Role: Chelmsford
Advert Closing Date: 06/07/2026
Starting Salary: £24,747.00 (pro‑rata for part‑time vacancies)
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Shift not 24/7
Weekend/Evening Working: Yes
Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Telephonist within the Essex Police Switchboard Team. In this role you will often be the first person a member of the public speaks to within Essex Police and will need excellent communication and personal skills, resilience, and the ability to cope under pressure.
Key Responsibilities
- Deal with members of the public, including those who are angry or upset.
- Work closely with the Contact Centre for emergency 999 calls and other departments.
- Handle general enquiries and re‑route urgent or emergency calls to Contact Centre Officers.
- Assist with Police campaigns and operations by setting up and handling calls in response to specific events or incidents.
- Liaise directly with other departments and officers across Essex Police, conduct research on Essex Police systems, generate emails, and carry out other related administrative tasks.
Required Experience
- Emotional resilience and professionalism when managing conflict and difficult situations.
- Ability to make a sound decision while working under pressure.
- Working effectively with others, including other teams, departments and agencies.
- A real belief in public service, focusing on what matters to the public and best serving their needs.
Shift Pattern
Rotate through a 6‑day on, 4‑day off pattern covering 7 days a week between 0600 and midnight. Each 6‑day shift rota consists of two early shifts (06:00‑16:00), two mid shifts (12:00‑22:00) and two late shifts (16:00‑00:00). Applicants must be able to travel to and from Essex Police Headquarters during unsociable hours.
Eligibility
If you are not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for at least three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you are from the UK, you must have lived here continuously for at least three years. This does not apply to those serving abroad in the British Armed Forces. Depending on your current vetting level and security clearances, you may be required to complete additional vetting information during the recruitment process.
Disability Confident Leadership
Have subjected our Disability Confident self‑assessment to external challenge and validation. Are taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Kent Police and Essex Police welcome applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status. Essex Police and Kent Police are an equal opportunities employer.
Telephonist (Headquarters, Chelmsford) employer: Essex & Kent Police
Essex Police is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Telephonist at our Chelmsford Headquarters, you will play a vital role in public service, with opportunities for skill development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in your community. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion ensures a welcoming environment for all employees, making Essex Police a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Telephonist (Headquarters, Chelmsford)
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Essex & Kent Police. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Essex & Kent Police before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Telephonist (Headquarters, Chelmsford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Essex & Kent Police:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Essex & Kent Police specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Essex & Kent Police!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex & Kent Police
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
