At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact, providing essential medical advice to those in need.
- Company: Join HUC, a vital healthcare provider serving millions across the region.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, NHS pension, and exclusive discounts on shopping and travel.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: No healthcare experience needed; just a passion for helping others.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with a supportive team that feels like family.
Non NHS Banding
Main area
Call Handling
Grade
Non NHS Banding
Contract
Permanent: Various set shift patterns available
Hours
Part time
Flexible working
12 hours per week (Various set shift patterns available)
Job ref
Site
Technology House, 239 Ampthill Road, Bedford
Town
Bedford
Salary
£12.21 per hour plus unsociable hours enhancement
Salary period
Hourly
Closing
30/09/2025 23:59
Job overview
Are you looking for a role where you can make a difference?
Every day, every hour, HUC is here to ensure everyone receives the medical attention they need. Serving 4.5 million patients across Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, West Essex, and the Southwest, HUC provides exceptional NHS 111 and Out of Hours GP services 24/7, 365 days a year. We are looking for people with no previous healthcare experience to make a difference to the communities we serve.
You must be able to commit to our next full time training from Monday 1st September or Monday 29th September for 6 weeks, 9am-5pm Monday – Friday. This training is paid at full time rates.
Main duties of the job
Your Role:
- First Contact: Manage urgent and non-urgent cases, providing essential medical advice.
- NHS Pathways Software: Assess patients\’ conditions and direct them to the appropriate healthcare professional or service.
- Advanced Training: Use your advanced listening and probing skills to ensure every patient receives clear advice and is signposted correctly. Please note that training is for 6 weeks, 9am-5pm regardless of contracted hours.
Why HUC?
- Thriving and Growing: Our continued growth means more opportunities for you
- Diverse Roles: As a 111 Call Handler, you\’ll be the first point of contact, making a real difference in patients\’ lives.
- Skill Development: No previous healthcare is needed for this role. Ambitious? We offer plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and explore new avenues within our organisation. For many this role is a stepping stone into a rewarding career in healthcare.
- Community Impact: Be a vital part of your community, providing essential care and support to those in need.
- A Team That Becomes a Family: Join a supportive team where colleagues become like family, working together to make a difference.
- Free Training: Our comprehensive 6 week, full time training course, will give you all the tools you need to start making a difference. Don\’t worry, we continue to support you and help develop your skill once you start taking calls
Working for our organisation
Join the HUC Family and Enjoy Exceptional Benefits That Truly Make a Difference
Exclusive Discounts: Unlock amazing savings on shopping, travel, and entertainment through our Discount Hub, Blue Light Card, Tickets for Good, and more. From everyday essentials to special experiences, we\’ve got your wallet covered
NHS Pension Scheme: Secure your future with the NHS Pension, offering peace of mind and valuable long-term financial benefits for all our staff.
Wellbeing Support: Your health matters Enjoy access to counselling services, personalised health plans, calming meditation guides, energising fitness routines, and delicious recipes to keep you thriving every day.
Recognition and Rewards: Your hard work won\’t go unnoticed Celebrate your achievements with peer shout-outs, special awards, and exclusive event vouchers that show how much we appreciate you.
Financial Perks: Take the stress out of money matters with free financial advice, a healthcare cash plan to cover everyday expenses, and smart savings options through our Credit Union.
Career Growth: Build the future you deserve with our My Academy training programs, exciting internal vacancies, and regular updates to keep you in the loop with HUC news and opportunities.
- Office Comforts: Stay refreshed with unlimited tea and coffee, enjoy the ease of free parking, and recharge in our dedicated relaxation areas. Plus, join in on engaging team events that make every workday more enjoyable
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
111 Call Handlers may be providing healthcare while working under the direction or supervision of regulated healthcare professionals. In order to do this, the call handler must receive direct instructions from the regulated healthcare professional about how to treat the patient whilst the healthcare is being provided. If this is in place, the call handler will be in regulated activity with children and adults and so an Enhanced DBS check in the child and adult workforce with both Barred Lists checks can be requested.
Person specification
Address
Essential criteria
- Lives within 60 minute commute
- Has Customer Service Experience
- Has the right to work in the UK
- Can commit to 6 weeks full time training (9am-5pm Monday- Friday)
Desirable criteria
- Previous Call Handling Experience
You must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive sufficient applications.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Further details / informal visits contact
Name
Sarah-Jane Newbigging
Job title
Non-Clinical Recruitment Advisor
Email address
NHS 111 Call Handler-Bedford employer: HUC
Contact Detail:
HUC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NHS 111 Call Handler-Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research HUC and understand their mission. When you show genuine interest in what they do, it’ll shine through in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your listening skills. As a Call Handler, you'll need to listen carefully to patients. Try mock calls with friends to get comfortable with the process.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your customer service experience. Think of examples where you've helped others, as this will be key in demonstrating your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and training there.
We think you need these skills to ace NHS 111 Call Handler-Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Call Handler. We want to see how you can make a difference in our community!
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills: Since customer service experience is essential, don’t forget to mention any relevant roles you've had. We love seeing how you’ve helped others in the past, so share those stories!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at HUC
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what being an NHS 111 Call Handler involves. Familiarise yourself with the main duties like managing urgent cases and using NHS Pathways Software. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since customer service experience is essential, think of specific examples from your past roles where you've excelled in helping others. Be ready to discuss how you handled difficult situations or provided exceptional support, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various patient scenarios. Practice responding to hypothetical situations where you need to assess a patient's condition and provide advice. This will not only prepare you for the questions but also help you think on your feet during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or opportunities for career growth within HUC. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.