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- Tasks: Manage emergency calls and deploy vehicles in a fast-paced control room 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 emotional support services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in healthcare.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs at C grade or above, including English, and good communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours available; excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 26530 - 37242 £ per year.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Ambulance Dispatcher – Exeter
The closing date is 01 April 2026
Opportunities have arisen within South Western Ambulance Service 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.
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.
Right to work / Certificate of Sponsorship
This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current Home Office regulations. You must have the existing right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.
For further information on visa sponsorship and eligibility, please refer to the UK Government guidance on Skilled Worker visas: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
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.
Employer name
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Ambulance Dispatcher - Exeter employer: SWAST
Contact Detail:
SWAST 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 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 calm and clear under pressure. Try mock scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with the types of calls you might handle.
✨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 maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and opportunities directly from us.
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 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 this role requires excellent oral communication, be sure to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in your written application. Use clear and concise language, and maybe even share an example of a time you handled a challenging conversation.
Highlight Your Ability to Work Under Pressure: Working in a 24/7 environment means you'll need to stay calm under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully managed stressful situations, as this will show us you're ready for the fast-paced nature of the job.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you’ll find all the information you need about the role there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at SWAST
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of an Ambulance Dispatcher. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as managing emergency calls and deploying vehicles. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a dispatcher, strong communication is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated under pressure. Whether it’s dealing with customers or coordinating with teams, be ready to demonstrate how you can remain calm and tactful in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle emergencies. Think about how you would prioritise calls or manage multiple tasks at once. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Since the role requires shift work, highlight your willingness to work unsocial hours. Share any previous experiences where you’ve adapted to changing schedules or worked in a 24/7 environment. This shows that you’re ready to commit to the demands of the job.