Staff Officer - Local Operations

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 19 July 2026

The Staff Officer to the Director of Operations provides senior, high-trust enabling support to the Director of Operations, acting as a critical link between strategic intent and operational delivery. The post holder will operate as a trusted professional advisor, coordinator and problem solver, providing operational delivery and ensuring the Director of Operations is supported through high quality briefing, assurance, analysis, follow up and governance.

Working with a high degree of autonomy, the post holder will manage complex information flows, coordinate the delivery of priorities across the Operations Directorate, and ensure actions, decisions and risks are tracked, escalated and progressed. The role is pivotal in maintaining operational grip, supporting effective decision making and enabling the Director of Operations to focus on strategic leadership, system working and organisational transformation.

The post holder will work closely with Assistant Directors of Operations, Deputy Directors, corporate teams and system partners, maintaining strong oversight of key programmes of work and acting as a central point of coordination for Directorate level activity.

The post holder will be required to travel across the Trust geography to support operational delivery.

Act as the primary staff officer to the Director of Operations, providing day-to-day professional support, coordination and delivery of operational priorities and advice.

Prepare high-quality briefings, reports, submissions and presentations for internal and external meetings, including Executive Management Group, Board and system forums.

Support the Director of Operations in translating strategic objectives into deliverable operational priorities across the Directorate.

Maintain oversight of the delivery of key operational priorities, programmes and actions across the Operations Directorate, ensuring progress is tracked and issues are escalated appropriately.

Support robust governance and assurance arrangements for the Operations Directorate, ensuring alignment with Trust and system requirements, providing advice and guidance to senior leaders as required.

Coordinate and synthesise complex operational, performance and intelligence information into clear, concise and actionable insights for the Director of Operations.

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

For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.

Internal candidates are asked to seek approval from their current SWAST line manager prior to applying for this secondment opportunity.

Right to work / Certificate of Sponsorship

This role does not…