Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is hiring an entry-level IT Service Desk Operator for its Digital Services team in Exeter, with applications closing on 20 November 2026. The Band 3 post, advertised on 6 November 2026, is based at Heavitree Hospital on Gladstone Road and offers a route into an NHS digital career for people with an IT qualification and little or no experience.

The role supports the trust's 24-hour, seven-day IT service desk, which keeps digital and clinical digital services running across its hospitals and community services. The successful applicant will deliver first-line support during standard working hours, helping staff with the systems they rely on to care for patients.

Pay and working pattern

The post is paid at Band 3, at £25,760 to £27,476 a year pro rata. It is a 37.5-hour week on average, worked across a mix of standard 7.5-hour shifts from Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 8pm, and long days of 12 or 12.5 hours to provide weekend and bank holiday cover. The trust says there is an opportunity to work from home on specific shifts, alongside time in the service desk office at Heavitree, and that salary enhancements apply for weekend and bank holiday shifts.

Who should apply

The trust welcomes applications from newly qualified people with an A-level or equivalent qualification, or a Level 3 apprenticeship, and from college leavers with a passion for digital services. Candidates with proven experience of providing first-line IT support in a fast-paced, high-standards environment are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants should be strong team players with a proactive, can-do attitude, clear written and spoken communication skills, and the ability to record information accurately and follow standard operating procedures. They will need to prioritise and assign support calls in line with service level agreements. Familiarity with Active Directory is listed as desirable rather than essential.

Development and benefits

The trust says successful candidates will gain valuable experience and development opportunities to advance their careers within its Digital Services team. The role offers exposure to a wide range of responsibilities across the team, and staff starting out in the NHS receive 27 days of paid annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days, with access to the NHS Pension scheme and occupational health services.

How to apply

Applications are made through the trust's own careers gateway, linked from its vacancies page, and the closing date is 20 November 2026. The interview date is yet to be confirmed. For further information, applicants can contact Mike Kelly, Service Desk Manager, at mjkelly@nhs.net. The trust notes that it reserves the right to close the vacancy early if enough applications are received, so early applications are advisable.

About the trust

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. With a workforce of more than 15,000 staff, it describes itself as the largest employer in Devon, providing services to more than 615,000 people across more than 2,000 square miles.