At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential switchboard and helpdesk support in a dynamic hospital environment.
- Company: Join Serco, a top international employer committed to public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, and extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by supporting patients and staff during critical moments.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; customer-focused with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 15 ÂŁ per hour.
Location: Great Western Hospital, Wiltshire
Salary: ÂŁ12.51 per hour plus enhancements
Schedule: 15 hours per week, working Wednesday and Thursday, 2pm–10pm
As a Switchboard and Helpdesk Operator in our Site Services team, you’ll provide a timely, professional and effective 24‑hour switchboard, helpdesk and emergency response service. Your work will ensure patients, visitors and colleagues receive fast, accurate support at critical moments — helping create a safe, responsive and well‑coordinated hospital environment. You’ll play a key part in managing emergency communications, operating essential systems and supporting colleagues across the site. Your calm approach, attention to detail and commitment to excellent service will directly influence the quality and safety of operations within the hospital.
What you’ll do as a Switchboard and Helpdesk Operator:
- Connect and transfer internal and external calls in line with service specification criteria.
- Operate the bleep system and emergency phone system to action Major Incidents and emergency team callouts in accordance with Trust processes.
- Follow procedures for replacing faulty or lost bleeps both in and out of hours.
- Maintain full understanding of the Major Incident Plan to respond effectively.
- Manage emergency systems and alarms, including Fire and Building Management Systems, notifying the correct teams when alarms activate.
- Maintain the on‑call listing for doctors and key colleagues as directed by the Trust.
- Handle all role‑related information with absolute confidentiality.
- Support the development and maintenance of administration systems that ensure effective information management.
- Take responsibility for your workstation and maintain a professional working environment.
- Train new colleagues in all aspects of the role as required.
- Receive and process face‑to‑face service requests at the Helpdesk.
- Log information into the CARPS database to ensure accurate task allocation.
- Follow and maintain Helpdesk procedures when new processes are introduced.
- Produce, issue and track Keri Security access badges within required timeframes.
- Respond to car park intercom queries and record any faults.
- Support locum doctors by providing required information before duties commence.
- Ensure contractors and visitors sign in correctly with relevant documentation.
Does this sound like you? You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:
- GCSE‑level education (or equivalent), including Maths and English.
- Experience using a switchboard or call‑centre system (desirable).
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Good computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
- A customer‑focused approach.
- High attention to detail.
- Confidence working in a pressurised environment with competing priorities.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Motivation, initiative and enthusiasm.
What We Offer:
- Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rota) (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year)
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities and a strong focus on internal progression
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
- Discounts: Savings across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to entertainment and travel
- Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through our Payroll Giving Scheme, and the option to donate pennies to the Serco People Fund Charity
- Employee networks: Dedicated networks supporting inclusion and connection across groups including LGBTQIA+ colleagues, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans and culturally diverse communities
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.
Switchboard/ Helpdesk Operator in Swindon employer: Serco
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Switchboard/ Helpdesk Operator in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Serco and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you fit right in.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your attention to detail and customer-focused approach. These stories will make you memorable!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Switchboard/ Helpdesk Operator in Swindon
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 Switchboard/Helpdesk Operator. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role is all about effective communication, don’t shy away from showcasing your verbal and written skills. Whether it’s in your cover letter or CV, let us see how you can convey information clearly and professionally.
Highlight Your Attention to Detail: In a busy environment like a hospital, attention to detail is crucial. Share examples from your past experiences where your meticulous nature made a difference, whether it was in managing calls or handling sensitive information.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly, so don’t hesitate—hit that apply button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Switchboard/Helpdesk Operator. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, like managing emergency communications and operating essential systems. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As this role requires strong verbal and written communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might want to rehearse common interview questions and answers with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and ensure you can convey your customer-focused approach effectively during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial for this position. Prepare examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail made a difference, whether it was in a previous job or during your education. Be ready to discuss how you handle competing priorities and maintain accuracy under pressure, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. You could inquire about the training process for new colleagues or how the team handles high-pressure situations. Thoughtful questions can leave a lasting impression and demonstrate your enthusiasm for joining their team.