At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage emergency calls and deploy ambulances effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to patient care.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £26,530, 27 days leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a vibrant city.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs at C grade or above, including English, and good communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours available; work shifts 24/7 with pay enhancements.
The predicted salary is between 26530 - 37242 £ per year.
Ambulance Dispatcher – Exeter
Opportunities have arisen within South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in the Clinical Hubs for Dispatchers. The successful candidates will be integral members of the 999 control room team with responsibility for the effective deployment and management of Trust vehicles to emergency and non-emergency calls across the Trust area.
The closing date is 16 October 2025
Part-time hours will be considered through the flexible working application.
The role is 24/7 365 days a year and we work shifts to achieve this. Please visit the additional information for an example shift pattern.
All shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre, date TBC.
Unsocial will be paid under Section 2 of NHS Terms and Conditions. Please see attached A4C Handbook for more details.
Main duties of the job
Your background
- 4 GCSEs at C grade or above, including English (or equivalent)
- Good oral communication skills
- The ability to be tactful and diplomatic as required is also necessary
- Be prepared to work shifts (24/7 rota providing cover on weekends, nights and bank holidays)
- Ability to work calmly under pressure
What we can offer you
- Starting salary of £26,530
- Unsocial hours enhancements (In accordance to NHS Terms and Conditions Agenda for Change section 2)
- 27 days annual leave plus additional bank holiday leave allocated
- Access to the trust staying well service, offering emotional support such as counselling specialist trauma work and a range of other advice and information services offered through statutory and voluntary agencies.
- Significant career progression opportunities within the Clinical Hub and wider trust.
For more information on this role, please watch the following video https://vimeo.com/742557522/ff44b2ea37
Please note, we will be recruiting to a holding pool for our next course intakes.
About us
Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.
We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.
The role is based in Exeter, one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England, with excellent transport links and a great mix of independent shops, cafes and bars.
If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples\’ lives, then we would love to hear from you.
In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role.
You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.
- A standard working week of 37.5 hours
- Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
- Career and salary progression
- Car leasing scheme
- Free parking across Trust sites
- Staff networks
- Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information about the role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- 4 GCSE\’s (or equivalent) at Grade C or above including English
- Experience in dealing with a diverse range of people in a customer/patient environment
- Experience of inputting data accurately and quickly using a Keyboard
- Experience in working in the voluntary or health sector
- Experience using a telephone / computer as a regular means of communication in a work environment
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.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
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Ambulance Dispatcher - Exeter employer: South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ambulance Dispatcher - Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of an Ambulance Dispatcher and the values of the South Western Ambulance Service. This will help you shine during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a dispatcher, you'll need to be clear and calm under pressure. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to emergency services. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at the South Western Ambulance Service.
We think you need these skills to ace Ambulance Dispatcher - Exeter
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 an Ambulance Dispatcher. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since good oral communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Whether it’s through your writing style or examples of past experiences, let us know how you can handle conversations under pressure.
Highlight Your Ability to Work Under Pressure: Being calm and collected in stressful situations is crucial for an Ambulance Dispatcher. Share specific examples in your application that showcase your ability to manage stress and make quick decisions when it counts.
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 to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of an Ambulance Dispatcher. Familiarise yourself with the 999 control room operations and how emergency calls are managed. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a dispatcher, clear communication is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you effectively communicated under pressure. This could be in customer service or any role where you had to manage diverse interactions.
✨Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure
The role requires working calmly during emergencies. Think of situations where you’ve had to stay composed in stressful scenarios. Share these stories during your interview to illustrate your ability to handle high-pressure situations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, shift patterns, and career progression opportunities within the Trust. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow and contribute to the team.