Emergency Call Handler/Dispatcher - starting salary £36,453 (including shift allowance)
As an emergency call handler/dispatcher, also known as an emergency communications operator, you’ll be at the forefront of public safety, serving as the vital first point of contact for those facing emergencies during urgent situations. Join us in making a difference when it matters most!
The role:
As an emergency call handler, you will respond promptly to emergency calls, gather crucial details such as the nature of the emergency, location, number of people involved, and any immediate dangers. You will remain calm, provide reassurance, and give clear instructions to callers, helping them stay focused. You will assess the urgency of each situation, determine the priority level, and deploy appropriate emergency services to the scene, ensuring a timely response.
What are we looking for?
Exceptional communication skills to convey information clearly and effectively, even in high-pressure situations.
Active listening skills to attentively gather comprehensive and accurate details from callers.
Proficient computer skills with experience navigating software, databases, and technology with ease.
Emotional resilience to maintain composure and make informed decisions during stressful emergencies.
Empathy and compassion to demonstrate understanding and support for callers in distress.
Strong problem-solving ability to quickly evaluate situations and identify the best course of action.
Effective multi-tasking skills to seamlessly juggle multiple tasks and ensure prompt and efficient handling of all emergencies.
What can we offer you?
We are recruiting for positions based in our Portishead control room (Police HQ) and at Bridgwater Police Centre, Express Park.
There are some fantastic employee benefits on offer such as on-site gym membership (Police HQ), physical and mental wellbeing support and access to lots of discount services such as the Blue Light Card, which gives you money off in high street shops and restaurants, holiday savings and offers for a wide range of business services online.
Our salary package starts at £36,453 and increases each year.
Hours and Training
You will need to be prepared to work a variety of shifts, which will include a proportion of weekends, nights and bank holidays, for example: 6 on, 4 off shift-pattern consisting of shifts 7am-5pm, 1pm-11pm and 11pm-7am.
Your journey with us will start with a 6 to 8 weeks training course where our inspiring team of dedicated trainers will teach you the skills you need to give expert advice to members of the public in the most critical situations. We can not accommodate any leave during the course duration.
Our recruitment process
Shortlisting
Familiarisation Event - Successful candidates will be invited to attend a familiarisation event, during this session you will learn more about the role, the recruitment process and the training courses. This will be held virtually on MS Teams and is a mandatory part of the process.
Assessment/ Interview - You will be invited to undertake an assessment centre which will take place at our Police Headquarters in Portishead.
Start date – Ocober 2026 (this date is not guaranteed, it is dependent on successful completion of our vetting checks) Future courses will be available
Are you ready to use your skills and experience in a role that makes a real difference in people’s lives? Apply today.
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About us
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Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset.
We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.
We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country.
Find out more about our benefits and culture
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.
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Important information before you commence an application (for external applicants)
You will require the following detail to complete this application form:
National Insurance Number
Identification Detail e.g. passport
Address information including proof
Referee information
Full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained
Tattoos - you will also be requested to provide photos and describe of any visible tattoos you have
If the role requires you to drive you will also be required to upload details from your full driving licence including photos.
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Important information before you commence an application- for ALL applicants
The application system only remains active on a single page for a period of 60 minutes.
Please ensure you allow time to complete your application fully as part complete pages do not save.
If the role has evidence questions you may wish to save these remotely and paste your answers into the boxes at time of submission.
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