Team Secretary with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
While this employer offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible international candidates, all applicants must verify their UK work visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. The Certificate of Sponsorship is subject to meeting UK Visas and Immigration requirements, including proof of English language proficiency and relevant qualifications.
Job Overview
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a friendly, enthusiastic, and self-motivated Team Secretary to join their busy Assessment & Treatment Service based at Chapel Street Clinic in Chichester. This is an excellent opportunity for international healthcare professionals seeking to relocate to the UK with sponsorship support. You will play a vital role in supporting mental health services across the community, including care in Bognor, Midhurst, and surrounding areas.
Company Information
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is a leading mental health provider committed to delivering high-quality care to communities across Sussex. The Trust employs over 3,000 staff and serves a population of more than one million people. As a Foundation Trust, they have greater autonomy to develop services that meet the specific needs of their local population while maintaining the highest standards of healthcare delivery.
Location and Working Environment
The position is based at Chapel Street Clinic in the heart of Chichester’s city centre, with services extending to surrounding areas including Bognor and Midhurst. The clinic is easily accessible by public transport and offers modern facilities in a supportive working environment. As a Team Secretary, you’ll be part of a friendly administration team consisting of telephonists, receptionists, secretaries, and senior administrative staff.
Salary and Benefits
This permanent, full-time position offers an attractive salary ranging from £24,937 to £26,598 per annum under the Agenda for Change pay scheme (Band 3). The Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Generous holiday entitlement starting at 27 days plus bank holidays
- NHS pension scheme
- Car parking reimbursement
- Access to discount schemes for gyms, shopping, restaurants, and cars
- Wellbeing and support programmes
- Excellent supervision and training opportunities
- Professional development within the Trust
Job Responsibilities
As a Team Secretary, you will provide crucial administrative and secretarial support to psychiatrists and the wider clinical team. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Typing and sending clinic letters with high accuracy
- Booking appointments and managing diaries
- Handling telephone calls from service users, carers, and staff
- Minuting meetings on an ad-hoc basis (training provided)
- Providing reception and switchboard cover
- Maintaining efficient and confidential administrative systems
- Supporting the Assessment & Treatment Service across multiple locations
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following essential qualifications:
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification
- GCSE at Grade C or above in Maths and English or equivalent
- RSA III/OCR equivalent or equivalent secretarial qualification
- Fast and accurate typing skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Good general education standard
Essential Experience
The ideal candidate will have proven experience in the following areas:
- A range of secretarial procedures
- Producing documents to a high standard with excellent accuracy
- Maintaining office systems
- Working effectively as part of a team
- Previous secretarial or administrative experience
- Knowledge of software programmes and IT systems, particularly Microsoft Office (Word and Outlook)
- Ability to remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, additional qualifications or experience in healthcare administration, medical terminology, or mental health services would be advantageous. Experience working within an NHS or similar healthcare organization would also be beneficial.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. The Trust offers flexible working arrangements where possible, and all staff are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance. As a healthcare provider, the Trust understands the importance of staff wellbeing and offers various support programs to help employees manage their workloads effectively.
Professional Development
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is committed to the continuous development of its staff. As a new employee, you will undertake a thorough induction program. Additional training will be provided at the local level, and full support is always available for ongoing growth and development. The Trust offers numerous opportunities for professional advancement within the organization.
Team and Culture
You will be joining a busy, friendly, and caring administration team that values collaboration and mutual support. The team environment is professional yet supportive, with regular team meetings and opportunities to socialize. As a mental health trust, Sussex Partnership places a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing and ensures that reward packages reflect the important work that administrative staff do in supporting clinical teams.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. All candidates must be willing to undergo this check as part of the recruitment process.
International Applicants Information
International candidates are encouraged to apply, as the Trust offers Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible candidates. Applicants requiring sponsorship should ensure they have the necessary qualifications and experience that meet UK standards. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Certificate of Sponsorship Details
The Trust is willing to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship for suitable international candidates. This sponsorship is subject to meeting UK Visas and Immigration requirements. Applicants should verify their eligibility with the employer directly, as sponsorship availability may depend on various factors including the candidate’s specific circumstances and current immigration regulations.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted via the NHS Jobs website. The application deadline is 15 February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview at the Chapel Street Clinic in Chichester. Interviews will assess both administrative skills and suitability for working within a mental health environment.
How to Apply
To apply for this position with certificate of sponsorship to the UK, please follow these steps:
- Visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 354-AC-21236
- Complete the online application form with all required information
- Upload your CV and covering letter highlighting your relevant experience
- Provide details of your qualifications and certifications
- For international applicants, explicitly state your requirement for sponsorship
- Submit your application before the closing date of 15 February 2026
Application Checklist for International Candidates
Before applying, international candidates should ensure they have the following documentation ready:
- Updated CV detailing all relevant administrative experience
li>Certified copies of academic qualifications and certifications
li>Proof of English language proficiency if English is not your first language
li>Criminal record certificates from any countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years
li>Contact details for professional references
li>Details of any previous UK work experience or visa history
Contact Information
For questions about this position or the application process, please contact:
- Nina McLagan (Admin Team Leader)
li>Email: Nina.McLagan1@nhs.net
li>Phone: 03003040400
All inquiries regarding sponsorship eligibility should be directed to Nina McLagan during the application process.
Further Information
For more information about Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, please visit their website at https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/. The Trust is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background.
Equal Opportunities
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. The Trust is committed to creating a diverse workforce and ensuring that all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.