At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the vital communication link in our busy hospital, handling calls with professionalism and care.
- Company: Join the Royal Devon NHS Trust, a leading healthcare provider in Devon.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, and generous annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusivity, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25272 - 25272 £ per year.
As a Switchboard Operator within our acute NHS trust (based at Wonford Hospital), you will provide an essential front‑line communication service that supports the safe and effective running of the hospital. You will act as the first point of contact for patients, relatives, staff, and external organisations, handling a high volume of calls with professionalism, courtesy, and efficiency.
Working within a busy switchboard environment, you will be responsible for directing calls to the correct departments, responding to routine and urgent enquiries, and following established procedures for emergency and escalation calls. This includes supporting the activation of on‑call rotas, major incident processes, and clinical alerts under the guidance of senior staff.
We provide a 24/7, 365 days a year service so you will need to have a flexible approach to working days, lates, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Saturday pay midnight to midnight and weekday after 8pm and before 6pm - time plus 47%. Sundays and bank holidays midnight to midnight - time plus 83%.
You will use a range of telephony and communication systems, timely call handling, and adherence to confidentiality and information governance standards. The role requires strong customer‑service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and focused when working under pressure.
As a key part of the trust’s frontline operations, you will contribute directly to the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care.
Working Pattern: We currently work on a rota (75 hours) over 2 weeks. This role includes early, late, and night shifts as part of a 24/7 service. Staff are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the hospital outside of standard public transport hours. Applicants should ensure they are able to reliably reach the site for shifts that may start before 07:00 or finish after 22:00. The trust provides well‑lit staff parking, secure cycle storage, and on‑site security support, but does not offer funded transport for out‑of‑hours travel. This role does not support remote working.
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.
Salary Band 2: £25,272 per annum pro rata. Frequency Annual. Vacancy Reference 185-329-13881. Contract Type Permanent. Closing Date 14 August, 2026. Job Category Administration.
Switchboard Operator in Exeter employer: Royal Devon
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a commitment to diversity and a culture that fosters belonging, staff enjoy generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, access to comprehensive occupational health services, and opportunities for further education and training. Located in the beautiful regions of Exeter and Barnstaple, employees can benefit from a healthy work-life balance while contributing to world-class healthcare services for the local community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Switchboard Operator in Exeter
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Royal Devon. 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 Royal Devon 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 Switchboard Operator in Exeter
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 Royal Devon:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Royal Devon 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 Royal Devon!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Devon
✨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.
