Secretary

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Role Summary

As a key member of our team, you’ll provide high quality administrative and organisational support that helps the department run smoothly and effectively. This includes managing diaries for senior managers, coordinating meetings, and producing accurate documentation such as minutes, notes, and reports in line with Trust standards.
You’ll play an active role in keeping the service running efficiently – monitoring inboxes, handling enquiries, supporting document production and operating effective bring forward systems. You’ll also help maintain team continuity by providing cover during staff absence and supporting ongoing improvements as the service evolves.
Communication is central to this role. You’ll liaise confidently with colleagues across the Trust and with external partners, respond promptly and professionally to email and telephone queries, and provide excellent customer service in a wide range of situations.
You’ll also support basic resource management, help new starters settle in, and take part in team meetings, training, audits and other activities that keep our service safe, compliant and continually improving.
About the Role
You’ll be joining the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Sustainable Innovation (HRC), providing secretarial support primarily to the Directors, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Project Manager. This is a great opportunity to build experience in an innovative and fast developing area of healthcare, while working within a supportive team environment.
What the role offers:
• A hybrid working pattern, with a balance of on site and remote working to meet service needs
• Daily use of a range of Trust IT systems, including Microsoft Office and SharePoint, for communication, document production and records management
• Opportunities for development as part of a dynamic team focused on improving services and supporting sustainable healthcare innovation

About the Role

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

The post holder will be part of the HealthTech Research Centre in Sustainable Innovation (HRC), providing secretarial support to primarily the Directors, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Project Manager.

· The role supports hybrid working, with an agreed balance of on-site and remote working in line with service needs.

· The post holder will use a range of Trust IT systems on a daily basis, including Microsoft Office applications and SharePoint for document production, communication and records management

Working Pattern: 3 days a week between Monday - Thursday (Monday mandatory)

Interview date: To Be Confirmed

Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2026-7 rates, inclusive of a 3.3% pay award implemented from April 2026. If you join before this date,, remuneration will be based on the 2025-6 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2025/26 | NHS Employers)

Please note, this is a fixed term contract until 31/03/2028.  For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity. Funding may be extended until 2029.

For further information please contact: Rebecca Harper on r.harper4@nhs.net

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.