Communications Operator
About this job
Job Advert Skip to main content
document.body.className = ((document.body.className) ? document.body.className + ' js-enabled' : 'js-enabled');
Cookies on NHS Jobs
We've put some small files called cookies on your device to help us make improvements to our site.
To improve our site we'd also like to use cookies which will send information to Google Analytics. You can read more about our cookies before you choose.
Accept analytics cookies Do not accept analytics cookies
Menu
Menu Close menu
BETA Your feedback will help us to improve this service.
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Communications Operator
The closing date is 11 November 2026
Job summary
The Switchboard service is a critical frontline service based at Bodmin Hospital providing a comprehensive, efficient, and quality based communication service across the health community in Cornwall, managing over 240,000 calls per annum.The service supports the Trust, NHS Kernow (KCCG) and One Cornwall (Social Services) with forwarding of calls and message handling in addition to approximately 30 teams/services within the Trust. It is a vital role in assisting out of hours services and holding the operational 'on call' rotas.In addition the Switchboard is the first point of contact for a range of emergency lines-fire phone, intruder alarms, Sowenna staff attack, Bodmin Hospital security CCTV and more recently the Urgent Crisis Referral, as well as the co-ordination of several services such as Cornwall Blood Bikes.The service is provided 24 hours, 365 days per year and the successful candidate must be prepared to work on rotas' across these timeframes, which will include weekends, bank holidays and lone working at night, flexibility is essential.You must have previous experience of dealing with the general public and possess excellent communication skills both written and verbal and also be able to adapt quickly to changes.Previous experience as a telephonist and knowledge of office systems with keyboard and computer skills are desirable.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be given a minimum of 3 months training to bring them up to speed with the diversity of the services which use the Switchboard. We will ensure you are confident in shifts before you move onto any out of hours working, so you are well equipped to carry out this interesting and varied role. There are shifts where enhanced rates are applied, which will boost your hourly rate when working out of hours.The post holder will work shifts to provide a comprehensive communication service to all Trust Managers, Department heads and users of the service.
The post holder will at all times be courteous and attentive to customers both internally and external to the NHS Health Community within Cornwall.
Working within the Communications Department providing a comprehensive central communication service across the whole of Cornwall Partnership Foundation Trust and the Health Community.
Staffing an efficient and quality based communications service over 24 hours, 365 days per year.
Staffing a reception service to Bodmin Hospital.
About us
We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health. We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.
We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.
Over 5,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.
We work in people's homes, in community clinics and bases. Some staff work from one of our 10 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.
Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon. As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increase the numbers of people who use out services.
Details
Date posted
28 October 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£25,760 to £27,476 a year Pro Rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
201-26-975
Job locations
Switchboard, Bodmin Hospital
Boundary Road
Bodmin
PL31 2QT
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see supporting documents.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see supporting documents.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications and Relevant Experience
Essential
- Good basic education, demonstrating high levels of communication skills
- NVQ 3 in Business Administration or equivalent experience
- Computer skills to CLAIT/ECDL level or equivalent
- Knowledge and experience of office systems and Microsoft Office suite of applications ie, MS Access Database, Excel Spreadsheets & Teams
- Previous experience of dealing with the Public/Customer Service
Desirable
- Previous experience of operating a BT ARC Switchboard within NHS
- Administrative Experience of Working in a Complex Office Environment within the NHS
Knowledge and Abilities
Essential
- Knowledge of Health and Safety
Education / Qualifications and Relevant Experience
Essential
- Good basic education, demonstrating high levels of communication skills
- NVQ 3 in Business Administration or equivalent experience
- Computer skills to CLAIT/ECDL level or equivalent
- Knowledge and experience of office systems and Microsoft Office suite of applications ie, MS Access Database, Excel Spreadsheets & Teams
- Previous experience of dealing with the Public/Customer Service
Desirable
- Previous experience of operating a BT ARC Switchboard within NHS
- Administrative Experience of Working in a Complex Office Environment within the NHS
Knowledge and Abilities
Essential
- Knowledge of Health and Safety
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 details
Employer name
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Switchboard, Bodmin Hospital
Boundary Road
Bodmin
PL31 2QT
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Switchboard, Bodmin Hospital
Boundary Road
Bodmin
PL31 2QT
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Acting Communications Manager
Sam Reyner
01208251590
Details
Date posted
28 October 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£25,760 to £27,476 a year Pro Rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
201-26-975
Job locations
Switchboard, Bodmin Hospital
Boundary Road
Bodmin
PL31 2QT
United Kingdom
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)
Support links
© Crown copyright
Market insight
Explore related jobs
Similar jobs
See all similar jobsInpatient Medical Secretary
Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist
Healthcare Assistant MIU - Bodmin Community Hospital
Community Healthcare Assistant - Bodmin & Three Harbours Community
Community Deputy Lead - Bodmin & 3 Harbour Community Nurses
Frequently asked questions
What salary can I expect?
This listing does not show a salary. Similar roles in Bodmin often pay around 40 595 £ (median of 6 offers).
How do I apply for this job?
Open the original source page and contact the employer there. Finder never charges job seekers.
Are these jobs up to date?
Yes. Finder regularly refreshes vacancies from public sources and removes closed offers.