Compare roles in health

Not sure where to start with the hundreds of NHS careers? Use our compare roles section to get bite-size information on the entry requirements and training, pay and conditions, prospects and skills needed of up to three roles. If there is something that you think you could do, then get more in-depth information on the role.

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  1. Decontamination services management

    By making sure that medical devices are sterilised, our decontamination services managers are making sure that our patients are protected from infection and contracting viruses. 

    Experience to level 3 vocational training through decontamination training and qualified to IDSc Technical Certificate for entry as a decontamination technician supervisor (training includes working towards the Foundation Degree in Decontamination Sciences); postgraduate degree or equivalent level of knowledge through academic courses to postgraduate level required for decontamination managers (training includes working towards the BSc (Hons) Decontamination Sciences for junior managerial roles)
    Staff in the NHS will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. As a supervisor in decontamination sciences, you would typically start on AfC band 3, with opportunities to progress with appropriate training, qualifications and experience to bands AfC 5 - 8. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
    Ability to work to high standards of quality and safety under pressure, flexibility, professional manner, initiative , logical thinking to help troubleshooting , ability to motivate others, enthusiasm, excellent communication skills, report writing and interpretation, positive outlook, able to deal with complaints from staff and patients.
    With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.
  2. Electrician

    Our electricians keep the NHS running by making sure electrical systems and equipment are safe and working correctly. 

    To be fully qualified as an electrician, you need a level 3 qualification, usually an NVQ and/or a Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment. Although electricians often join the NHS fully qualified and experienced, it may be possible to train as an electrician. Employers usually ask for at least three GCSEs (or equivalent), including maths, English and science. They may ask for some experience in construction or other practical work. There are sometimes apprenticeships in estates support/estates maintenance that can provide this type of experience. Employers may ask for a driving licence. When you start as a trainee electrician, your training will include health and safety, how to use the tools and equipment and all aspects of electrical work You will be encouraged to study for qualifications such as NVQs.
    Estates staff working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. As an estates support worker, you could start on AfC band 2. As a qualified electrician in estates maintenance, you will typically start on AfC band 3. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions at bands 4 and above. Electricians in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. The job may involve shifts including early starts, evenings and weekends. Electricians may be part of an on-call rota for emergency cover. Terms and conditions will usually be different for electricians working outside of the NHS.
    As an electrician you'll need to be very health and safety aware, able to follow procedures, careful and responsible, able to work alone or unsupervised when necessary and able to work to deadlines. You'll also need good manual (hand) skills, good organisational and time management skills.
    Once fully qualified and with experience, an electrician can become a team leader, supervising the work of others. With further experience you could progress to manager, responsible for electrical services in a hospital, area or trust. Electricians may be able to move into other estates services roles such as estates technician . They can apply to train as engineers. There are opportunities outside the NHS.
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