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- Tasks: As a Switchboard Operator, you'll handle calls and connect them to the right departments.
- Company: Join South Yorkshire Police, dedicated to fairness, integrity, and trust in serving the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital service, develop your skills, and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: You need excellent communication skills and experience in a computerised environment.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 19200 - 19800 £ per year.
Job Description
Role: Switchboard Operator
Department: Force Control Room
Location: Atlas Court, Sheffield
Salary: £23,286 – £23,748 plus 12.5% shift allowance & weekend working
Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
We have an exciting opportunity for a Switchboard Operator to join our Force Control Room. In this role you will process calls from internal and external callers.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate the South Yorkshire Police telephony system
- Transfer all incoming emergency/non-emergency calls to the Call Handling Unit
- Triage and advise callers to use Single Online Home where possible
- Receive and process calls efficiently, in a courteous and helpful manner as required
- Update the staff directory
- Responsible for explaining, as necessary, call processing systems that they connect the incoming caller to, e.g. voice mail
- Use new technology where appropriate to improve customer service
- Shift and weekend working is a requirement of this post
Skills And Experience
- A commitment to provide a quality service and be flexible in order to meet the needs of the service.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Experience of working in a computerised environment with an aptitude to navigate multiple IT systems.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
Skills and experience as documented in the role profile need to be evidenced in your application to be considered for interview
For more detailed information relating to the role, skills and experience for this role, please click here to view the role profile
We offer generous entitlements and supportive policies to enable a better work-life balance, some of which are listed below:
- A highly competitive salary and access to a generous pension scheme
- Generous annual leave allowance
- A wide range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Flexible working arrangements including flexi-time and hybrid working
- A transparent and collaborative team culture underpinned by our core values of Fairness, Integrity & Trust
- Comprehensive range of development and leadership courses to develop your career with South Yorkshire Police
- Employee Assistant Programme (accessible 24/7) offering confidential support and advice
- Flexible lifestyle benefits such as: Blue Light Card, Company Shop, Cycle to work scheme
- Committed to embedding sustainability: South Yorkshire Police Sustainability Strategy 2020-2025 (yhrn.police)
- Membership to the Sports and Social Club
- Access to a wide range of staff support groups and networks
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the minimum requirement checkable history criteria, which must be taken into account for individuals applying to work with South Yorkshire Police in any capacity. A minimum checkable history of 3 years is required for this role and successfully undergoing recruitment vetting procedure is a pre-requisite of employment with South Yorkshire Police.
Appearance & Standards
South Yorkshire Police is committed to striking a proportionate balance between self-expression and the need to maintain role sensitive professional standards in dress and appearance. Officers, staff, and volunteers of South Yorkshire Police are permitted to have tattoos visible whilst on duty provided the tattoo is not considered to be unacceptable or otherwise inappropriate. Tattoos will be reviewed as part of the recruitment and selection process.
South Yorkshire Police’s Key Values
At South Yorkshire Police we have 3 key values which run through everything we do Fairness, Integrity & Trust, the attached document details the key behaviours we expect all employees to adhere to
Smarter Ways Of Working
South Yorkshire Police is committed to developing working practices which assist staff to balance their personal and professional lives, whilst meeting the needs of the organisation. This in turn enables South Yorkshire Police to provide an outstanding service to the community.
There are 3 different categories as part of this which are: Fixed, Field and Hybrid.
This role has been evaluated as a fixed role.
Fixed: This is a traditional arrangement, applicable when the work is mostly required to be undertaken at a fixed single place of work (on police premises) for most of the time. The work can only or is more effectively delivered from a police premises or other agreed organisational/partner premises.
Contact Details
For further information about the role, please contact: Stephanie Ballantyne on 0114 2196724
Closing Date: 14th August 2025
Closing dates are not normally extended, other than in exceptional circumstances and agreement is made between the Talent Acquisition Manager and the Line Manager for the role.
How To Apply
Please click ‘Apply’
Candidate Information
Please note that, should you be successful at the interview stage and before appointment, the relevant pre-employment checks are required. These include references, medical clearance, vetting clearance and sickness absence criteria check.
Diversity & Inclusion
Applications are particularly welcome from female and ethnic minority candidates.
It is really important to us that the department represents the community we serve, in order for us to provide the best service, utilising a range of backgrounds, experience and skills. We support and value all officers and staff and the unique experiences they bring to the role. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from these valuable underrepresented groups.
If you are from an underrepresented group and want to find out more about the support we can offer, please contact our dedicated team on positiveaction@southyorks.pnn.police.uk
In addition, we will look to support anyone who requires Part Time/Job share working hours.
Documents To Review
For the Police Staff Recruitment Vetting Handbook – Please Click here
For Application Guidance and Tips – Please Click Here
For the FIT Values of South Yorkshire Police – Please Click Here
View Our Recruitment Video
https://youtu.be/2dGn5qti7_c #J-18808-Ljbffr
Switchboard Operator employer: South Yorkshire Police
Contact Detail:
South Yorkshire Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Switchboard Operator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the South Yorkshire Police telephony system. Understanding how it works will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your verbal communication skills. As a Switchboard Operator, you'll need to convey information clearly and courteously, so consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to remain calm under pressure. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed stressful situations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the values of South Yorkshire Police: Fairness, Integrity & Trust. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and interactions with others.
We think you need these skills to ace Switchboard Operator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Switchboard Operator position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, provide specific examples of your previous experience in a similar role or environment. Emphasise your ability to handle calls efficiently and your experience with IT systems.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent verbal communication is crucial for this role, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language, and consider including examples of how you've successfully communicated in high-pressure situations.
Align with Company Values: Familiarise yourself with South Yorkshire Police's core values of Fairness, Integrity, and Trust. Reflect these values in your application by discussing how you embody them in your professional conduct and decision-making.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Yorkshire Police
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Switchboard Operator. Familiarise yourself with the telephony system and the importance of transferring calls efficiently.
✨Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure
Since the role involves handling emergency and non-emergency calls, be prepared to discuss how you remain calm in stressful situations. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully managed high-pressure scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent verbal communication is crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you effectively communicated with callers or colleagues.
✨Align with Their Values
South Yorkshire Police values Fairness, Integrity, and Trust. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Prepare examples that demonstrate your commitment to these principles in your previous roles.
