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Administration career pathway

We couldn’t perform for our patients without the army of people working in support roles in our trust.

At KCHFT, we offer career progression and pathways for everyone who is working in an administrative role. Discover the range of opportunities available if you want to develop your career with us.

Administration roles

Read about each role in more detail.

Clerks are key members of the multidisciplinary team, providing administrative support to a ward or service. They enable optimal and safe patient and client care by making sure patients have the information they need and that health professionals can access patient records.

Clerks interact with patients and clients on a daily basis regarding a variety of matters. They are empathetic and can work calmly and accurately.

Training

  • Level two qualification such as; GCSE grades 9-4 / A*-C, NVQ level two, BTEC diploma / certificate, O Level grades A-C or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Administrative experience.
  • Experience of team working and versatility to take on a variety of tasks.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.

Your pathway options

Administrative assistants provide flexible business support to a service, making sure administrative elements of the services are coordinated, on time and correctly communicated.

They have a varied and often high-paced job environment and can communicate well, be responsive and are able to handle multiple tasks at once.

Training

  • Level two qualification such as; GCSE grades 9-4 / A*-C, NVQ level two, BTEC diploma / certificate, O Level grades A-C or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Administrative experience.
  • Experience of team working and versatility to take on a variety of tasks.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.

Your pathway options

Project support assistants provide administrative support in the delivery of projects across teams, services and the trust. They make sure administrative elements of a project are organised, coordinated and delivered on time.

They are involved in a wide scope of project tasks, which means each working day can differ from one to the other. The role requires good time management and organisational skills, are adaptable and able to multitask.

Training

  • Level two qualification such as; GCSE grades 9-4 / A*-C, NVQ level two, BTEC diploma / certificate, O Level grades A-C or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Administrative experience.
  • Experience of team working and versatility to take on a variety of tasks.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.

Your pathway options

Receptionists are often the first point of contact for patients, colleagues, members of the public, stakeholders and contractors when they access our buildings. Receptionists make people feel welcome by providing information on the location and services, directing people to the right place and giving them the help and guidance they need.

Receptionists need to be aware of everything that’s going, from meetings that are taking place, to coordinating deliveries and answering enquiries. Professionals in this position are expected to be incredibly organised, have great people skills, patience and be able to multitask.

Training

  • Level two qualification such as; GCSE grades 9-4 / A*-C, NVQ level two, BTEC diploma / certificate, O Level grades A-C or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Administrative experience.
  • Experience of working with members of the public.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.

Your pathway options

Team administrators provide comprehensive administrative support to an entire team or group of people within a team. The role involves having a thorough understanding of the team’s operations and daily activities. Team administrators oversee performance activity, making sure elements of the patient or customers journey are coordinated and support short term projects.

They are an integral part of service delivery and have excellent people skills, are great at multi-tasking and prioritising, as well as being incredibly organised.

Training

  • Level three qualification, such as; two A/AS levels, NVQ level three, BTEC diplomas, certificates and awards, an International Baccalaureate Diploma or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Administrative experience.
  • Experience of team working and versatility to take on a variety of tasks.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.

Your pathway options

Systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of systems used at KCHFT. They have a greater understanding of the system, provide system support and make sure the system works efficiently.

Systems administrators provide customer support to users across KCHFT which includes health professionals, managers and administrative colleagues. This role requires customer service skills, an aptitude for learning new skills and an ability to work on your own initiative.

Training

  • Level three qualification, such as; two A/AS levels, NVQ level three, BTEC diplomas, certificates and awards, an International Baccalaureate Diploma or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Administrative experience.
  • Experience of team working and versatility to take on a variety of tasks.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.

Your pathway options

Project administrators provide comprehensive administrative support to project teams, making sure the project runs smoothly, on time and to budget. The role oversees project activity, making sure plans and schedules are maintained as well as communicating progress to project team members.

Project administrators undertake a variety of project tasks, both proactively and reactively. They are great at multi-tasking and prioritising, as well as being incredibly organised and having an aptitude for learning new skills.

Training

  • Level three qualification, such as; two A/AS levels, NVQ level three, BTEC diplomas, certificates and awards, an International Baccalaureate Diploma or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Administrative experience.
  • Experience of team working and versatility to take on a variety of tasks.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.

Your pathway options

Business administrators provide comprehensive business support to the service which includes having a thorough understanding of the service operations. They oversee daily activities, assist with the delivery of long-term strategies, as well as supporting short-term projects.

Business administrators balance a multitude of responsibilities and are good at multi-tasking and prioritising, with a desire to show initiative.

Training

  • Level three qualification, such as; two A/AS levels, NVQ level three, BTEC diplomas, certificates and awards, an International Baccalaureate Diploma or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Administrative experience.
  • Experience of team working and versatility to take on a variety of tasks.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.

Your pathway options

Secretaries provide comprehensive medical secretarial support to an individual, team or service. This requires a thorough understanding of secretarial procedures, medical terminology, word processing and dictation systems.

Secretaries support the patient journey through providing advice, information and guidance to patients, carers and relatives. They have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as demonstrating accuracy and attention to detail.

Training

  • Level three qualification, such as; two A/AS levels, NVQ level three, BTEC diplomas, certificates and awards, an International Baccalaureate Diploma or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Administrative experience.
  • Experience of team working and versatility to take on a variety of tasks.
  • Experience of audio typing.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology.

Your pathway options

Team leaders are responsible for the delivery of an innovative, professional, high quality and efficient administrative service. They supervise the day-to-day operations of the team, coordinating and distributing work and making sure motivation and performance levels are maintained.

Team leaders manage and support the team to deliver excellent administrative support. They work collaboratively to influence change, possess exceptional interpersonal skills, are innovative thinkers and able to multitask.

Training

  • Level four qualification, such as; certificate of higher education, higher national certificate, NVQ level four or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Practical application of HR practices, policies and procedures.
  • Leading teams in busy and pressurised environments.
  • Experience of handling confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • In-depth knowledge of the service, site and users.
  • Experience of producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Co-ordinators have a central role within services, acting as a primary point of contact for operational communications, often on complicated and confidential matters. They act as a facilitator between services, stakeholders and information sources to negotiate and bring together all parts of a service or team.

Co-ordinators manage the provision of information on service activity, making sure an efficient and effective service is delivered. They also provide business support to the senior management team. They have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, are proactive and self-motivated, as well as having great organisation and analytical skills.

Training

  • Level four qualification, such as; certificate of higher education, higher national certificate, NVQ level four or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Practical application of HR practices, policies and procedures.
  • Leading teams in busy and pressurised environments.
  • Experience of handling confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • In-depth knowledge of the service, site and users.
  • Experience of producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Project co-ordinators work with members of the project team and external stakeholders to organise the logistics of a project. They organise the schedule and manage any risks or issues as the project progresses. 

Project co-ordinators need to excel in a fast-paced and challenging work environment. They have excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to multi-task and communicate confidently and effectively.

Training

  • Level four qualification, such as; certificate of higher education, higher national certificate, NVQ level four or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Practical application of HR practices, policies and procedures.
  • Leading teams to take on a variety of tasks.
  • Experience of handling confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • Experience of producing standard and bespoke data reports.
  • Understanding of the health and social care sector, including knowledge of NHS structures, policies and processes.

Your pathway options

Personal assistants work closely with senior leaders to provide support with the day-to-day running of a service. Personal assistants need to have a thorough understanding of the trust, know who the key personnel are and thrive on being at the heart of a service.

Personal assistants have a positive approach towards their work. They have excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as being flexible, reliable and able to multitask and use their own initiative.

Training

  • Level four qualification, such as; certificate of higher education, higher national certificate, NVQ level four or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Practical application of HR practices, policies and procedures.
  • Experience of handling confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • In-depth knowledge of the service.
  • Experience of producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Advisors support the delivery of professional and customer focused operations in a specific discipline or area of expertise. Advisors provide support and advice to colleagues across the trust and have a thorough understanding of the specific discipline or area of expertise. This may involve delivering presentations, workshops and training sessions. 

Advisors make sure services are compliant with all relevant aspects of legislation, guidelines, policy and procedures. They are able to build and maintain effective professional working relationships at all levels, have problem solving skills and can identify best practice solutions. They are able to multitask and prioritise an unpredictable workload.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Management and leadership experience.
  • Experience of managing formal and informal HR processes.
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • Experience producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Analysts support the growth of the trust through focusing on solving organisational issues. They analyse processes, workflows, data and systems with the objective of identifying opportunities for improvement to optimise results and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of trust operations.

Analysts gather, interpret and use data to develop plans to improve processes. They are able to build and maintain effective professional working relationships at all levels, have problem solving and analytical skills with the ability to identify best practice solutions and communicate confidently and effectively.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Experience in an analytical role including knowledge of a range of statistical and numerical techniques and procedures.
  • Experience of handling confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • Design and development of standard and bespoke data reports.
  • Experience producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Business support managers assist in the management and coordination of processes, workforce and systems. They support new innovations and collaborative ways of working to increase the quality and performance of the service.

They work closely with the senior management team to design and embed continuous improvement. They manage, develop and influence people and projects, have exceptional communication skills and are highly organised.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Management and leadership experience.
  • Experience of managing formal and informal HR processes
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • In-depth knowledge of the directorate.
  • Experience producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Officer managers are responsible for day-to-day organisation of the office, often acting as a point of contact for external organisations and individuals.

They will often line manage a team of business administrators, providing managerial and administrative support on a day-to-day function for both administrative and clinical colleagues.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Management and leadership experience.
  • Experience of managing formal and informal HR processes.
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • Previous experience in a similar role.
  • Excellent administrative skills.

Your pathway options

Project support managers plan and organise a range of project activities and work streams and will be responsible for specific elements of the project. This includes delivery within timescales and budget, and participating in relevant project meetings to provide information, updates, advice and support.

Project support managers implement new ways of working and facilitate collaborative working. They have exceptional communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills and are able to manage, develop and influence people and projects.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Management and leadership experience including experience of managing formal and informal HR processes.
  • Project management experience.
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • Experience producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Executive assistants provide support to executive directors and are trusted with complex duties and sensitive information. Executive assistants perform various office management duties, provide administrative and project management support and coordinate tasks which influence the trust's strategy.

They are able to identify and address the needs of executive directors. They have exceptional organisational, problem-solving, decision-making and diary management skills, and are able to multitask and prioritise an unpredictable workload.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Experience in providing comprehensive personal assistant support to a senior leader.
  • Experience of managing formal and informal HR processes.
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • In-depth knowledge of the directorate.
  • Experience producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Analyst specialists are engaged in all elements of the data lifecycle, from working directly with services in order to understand their requirements, to acquiring and manipulating the data from a variety of systems and interpreting highly complex data and information.

Analyst specialists develop processes for collection, analysis, validation, presentation and reporting of activity to make sure that resources are effectively managed and the best possible patient care is achieved. They have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and have advanced knowledge of analysing complex information with the ability to drive innovation and engagement.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Experience in an analytical role including interpreting and presenting complex information and analysis.
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Experience of managing projects and undertaking evaluation.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • Specialist knowledge of statistical and analytical techniques, methodologies and procedures.

Your pathway options

Systems managers are responsible for the implementation, provision and maintenance of robust systems and processes. They oversee the use of technology in the organisation and their primary role is to design, manage and monitor information systems. They oversee a team of specialists who install and maintain hardware and software upgrades.

The role is responsible for making sure the systems team function is delivered in accordance with the service level agreements whilst maintaining high levels of system availability and customer satisfaction.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Experience in an analytical role including interpreting and presenting complex information and analysis.
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Have advanced experience with operation of organisation systems.

Your pathway options

Business managers perform a range of tasks to maintain service productivity and efficiency, including implementing business strategies, evaluating performance and quality improvement. Business managers make sure the service achieves its strategic objectives through the development, enhancement and implementation of delivery of initiatives and business as usual practices.

They take a leadership approach, embracing change and rising to the challenge. They have exceptional communication skills, the ability to drive innovation and are proactive and able to manage, develop and influence people and projects.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Leadership and management qualification or willingness to work towards, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Management and leadership experience including experience of managing formal and informal HR processes.
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Experience of managing projects and undertaking evaluation.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • Experience producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Team managers have line management responsibility for a team. Duties include recruitment, induction, training and identification of learning and development needs within the team. They develop and implement knowledge and skills to meet changing needs of the service.

Team managers take a leadership approach, embracing change and rising to the challenge. They have exceptional communication skills, the ability to drive innovation while managing, developing and influencing people and projects.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Leadership and management qualification or willingness to work towards one, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Experience of managing formal and informal HR processes.
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Experience of managing projects and undertaking evaluation.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • Experience producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Project managers work closely with colleagues to develop new ways of working in order to improve patient access and patient experience. You might be tasked to review services in specific clinical settings and map the workforce needed to deliver this.

You will work with stakeholders such as local health providers, workforce planners and local education and training boards to carry out the planning, delivery and implementation of a new policy or service. budgets, risk assessment. Analysing data, preparing findings and presenting in report format.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Experience of managing projects and undertaking evaluation.
  •   Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • Experience producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Senior executive assistants provide support to chief executive officers and are trusted with complex duties and sensitive information. They perform various office management duties, provide administrative and project management support and coordinate tasks which influence the trust's strategy.

Senior executive assistants identify and address the needs of chief executive officers. They need to be flexible, have exceptional organisational, problem-solving, decision-making and diary management skills and can prioritise an unpredictable workload.

Training

  • Level six qualification, such as; Bachelor Degree BA/BSc, NVQ level six, ordinary degree without honours, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Experience in providing comprehensive personal assistant support to a chief executive.
  • Experience handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • Experience producing standard and bespoke data reports.

Your pathway options

Advanced analysts help develop the trust’s approach and methodology to data collection, analysis, measurement and reporting of activity. They provide specialist advice and guidance on statistical and analytical matters including the production, development and promotion of a range of health related data sets and information.

Advanced analysts are adaptable when finding analytical solutions to problems. They have an enquiring and analytical style of working, plus the ability to communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders. The role involves managing, developing and influencing people and projects.

Training

  • Level seven qualification, such as; Master’s Degree MA/MSc, NVQ level seven, postgraduate certificate or diploma, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Management and leadership experience including experience of managing formal and informal HR processes.
  • Experience in an analytical role.
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • In-depth specialist knowledge of statistical and analytical techniques, methodologies, procedures and their use across the NHS.

Your pathway options

Business development managers are responsible for driving business growth, taking a strategic view on all aspects of their work. Business development managers require excellent working knowledge of the NHS and communication skills to have the ability to influence key decision makers.

They will communicate business sensitive information to gain agreement or cooperation from NHS colleagues at all levels of the organisation as required. The role involves managing and developing colleagues as well as having line management responsibilities.

Training

  • Level seven qualification, such as; Master’s Degree MA/MSc, NVQ level seven, postgraduate certificate or diploma, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Management and leadership experience including experience of managing formal and informal HR processes.
  • Experience of handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office packages.
  • In depth specialist knowledge of statistical and analytical techniques, methodologies, procedures and their use across the NHS.

Your pathway options

Operations managers are expected to have a key leadership role, acting as a role model for others. They will communicate and maintain excellent working relationships with all those that use, commission and work within the services delivered.

Operations managers are responsible for making sure that the team provides effective expertise which meets the professional standards of the relevant profession. They facilitate reflection on service delivery and identify quality improvement work.

Training

  • Level seven qualification, such as; Master’s Degree MA/MSc, NVQ level seven, postgraduate certificate or diploma, or equivalent demonstrable experience.

  • In-depth specialist knowledge such as identifying problems, recommending and implementing solutions and change.

  • Management and leadership experience including experience of managing formal and informal HR processes.

Your pathway options

Project operations managers engage in a wide range of project and programme management activities. This includes effective planning, coordination and delivery of complex strategies, activities and projects. It may also involve clerical or administrative support, implementing policy and processes and providing specialist advice and support. 

The project operations manager is responsible for handling all aspects of the work. From clinical engagement in service reviews and briefing local politicians and the media, to encouraging patient and public involvement throughout the project.

Training

  • Level seven qualification, such as; Master’s Degree MA/MSc, NVQ level seven, postgraduate certificate or diploma, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
  • Significant experience in managing the delivery of a project.
  • Track record of developing and managing projects in a complex environment, with the ability to work autonomously.

Your pathway options