Job summary
To assist with patient care and other departmental related duties as a Theatre Support Worker and as directed by Registered Theatre Practitioners.
To complete a Care Certificate Programme prior to applying to the university.
Upon entry on the ODP Apprenticeship, to train and study to complete the BSc (Hons) ODP Programme approved by the HCPC and accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners.
Candidates who do not enrol onto the University ODP Apprenticeship Programme, will remain employed at CUH as Band 3 Theatre Support Workers, and can receivesupport to prepare for a future interview.
Upon registering with the HCPC via the ODP apprenticeship route, candidates are guaranteed a job as a Band 5 ODP at Addenbrooke's.
Main duties of the job
Operating Department Practitioners (ODP's) are registered health care professionals who have an integral role in the provision of safe, holistic perioperative care. Are you an aspiring ODP? Are you a college leaver pursuing ODP training? Or simply seeking a change in career pathway? With no upper age limits, for our apprentices, this post is open to anyone aged over 18 years.
Perioperative Care Services are recruiting Theatre Support Worker - Operating Department Practitioner Apprentices. Successful candidates will potentially join a University cohort commencing May 2026, and upon gaining professional registration via the ODP apprenticeship route, they will be guaranteed a job as a Band 5 ODP at CUH.
Please note: If offered an apprenticeship, candidates will be required to attend an additional interview with the university before being accepted onto the apprenticeship. Candidates must also provide original qualification certificates before being enrolled with the university.
Candidates who do not enrol onto the University ODP Apprenticeship Programme will remain employed at Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) as Band 3 Theatre Support Workers.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Details
Date posted
16 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
180-A-263040
Job locations
Addenbrookes
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB20QQ
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
As per Home Office guidelines, please be aware that, unfortunately, the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular position
Please Note: due to induction restrictions student visa holders are unable to undertake this position.
Please Note: Due to UK apprenticeship funding regulations applicants must have a right to work in the UK, or for EU citizens hold pre-settled or settled status and have been a UK or EU resident for the last three years or have indefinite leave to remain with documents that are not due to expire during the duration of the apprenticeship contract. Applicants must also not already have a qualification at a higher level within the same subject matter.
This vacancy will close on the 23rd February 2026
Interviews are due to be held on the 10th March 2026
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases alternative working hours will be considered.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
As per Home Office guidelines, please be aware that, unfortunately, the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular position
Please Note: due to induction restrictions student visa holders are unable to undertake this position.
Please Note: Due to UK apprenticeship funding regulations applicants must have a right to work in the UK, or for EU citizens hold pre-settled or settled status and have been a UK or EU resident for the last three years or have indefinite leave to remain with documents that are not due to expire during the duration of the apprenticeship contract. Applicants must also not already have a qualification at a higher level within the same subject matter.
This vacancy will close on the 23rd February 2026
Interviews are due to be held on the 10th March 2026
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases alternative working hours will be considered.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* 5 GCSE's (or equivalent) at grades A-C or 4-9.
* Mathematics and English GCSE, or Level 2 equivalent such as Functional Skills.
* A-Level study with 112 UCAS points - or Level 3 qualification in a Health and Social Care related course
* DBS - Ability to meet the Occupational Health requirements of the programme.
* If English is a second language the applicant should hold an overall IELTS score of at least 7.0 with no element below 6.5.
Desirable
* Completed Care Certificate.
Experience
Essential
* Experience in a multi-disciplinary team.
* Demonstrates verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
* Evidence of recent study.
Desirable
* Previous NHS hospital experience or previous work in a care environment.
* Previous operating theatre experience.
Knowledge
Essential
* Understand the importance of confidentiality and demonstrate knowledge of how it can be maintained.
* Understands the importance of respect and communication.
* Understands Health and Safety requirements.
* Understands the importance of good timekeeping.
* Knowledge of the role of the ODP as a registered practitioner providing holistic care to surgical patients.
Desirable
* Understands the importance of Infection Control Standards.
* Demonstrate an understanding of what it is like to work in an operating theatre.
Skills
Essential
* Good communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
* To be able to work effectively as part of a team.
* Computer literacy.
* Respect for patients' dignity, wishes and beliefs demonstrating empathy and kindness
* Understanding of the importance of commitment, values and behaviours.
* Demonstrates behaviours which are caring and compassionate.
* Enthusiastic, having a positive work ethic, being keen to learn and able to work in an operating theatres and wider multi-disciplinary team.
Desirable
* Able to recognise situations when a more senior member of staff is required.
* Able to prioritise and organise own workload.
* Understands the importance of consistently providing individualised care basis.
* Attention to detail.
Additional Requirements
Essential
* The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
* To be able to recognise the extent and limitations of the Theatre Support Worker role health and safety requirements.
* Committed to providing patient care.
* The following hazards are associated with this job role: Manual handling, Night shift or shift work
Desirable
* Evidence of a desire to work in the operating theatre and to train as an ODP.
* Be enthusiastic, having a positive work ethic, being keen to learn and able to work in an operating theatres and wider multi-disciplinary team
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* 5 GCSE's (or equivalent) at grades A-C or 4-9.
* Mathematics and English GCSE, or Level 2 equivalent such as Functional Skills.
* A-Level study with 112 UCAS points - or Level 3 qualification in a Health and Social Care related course
* DBS - Ability to meet the Occupational Health requirements of the programme.
* If English is a second language the applicant should hold an overall IELTS score of at least 7.0 with no element below 6.5.
Desirable
* Completed Care Certificate.
Experience
Essential
* Experience in a multi-disciplinary team.
* Demonstrates verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
* Evidence of recent study.
Desirable
* Previous NHS hospital experience or previous work in a care environment.
* Previous operating theatre experience.
Knowledge
Essential
* Understand the importance of confidentiality and demonstrate knowledge of how it can be maintained.
* Understands the importance of respect and communication.
* Understands Health and Safety requirements.
* Understands the importance of good timekeeping.
* Knowledge of the role of the ODP as a registered practitioner providing holistic care to surgical patients.
Desirable
* Understands the importance of Infection Control Standards.
* Demonstrate an understanding of what it is like to work in an operating theatre.
Skills
Essential
* Good communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
* To be able to work effectively as part of a team.
* Computer literacy.
* Respect for patients' dignity, wishes and beliefs demonstrating empathy and kindness
* Understanding of the importance of commitment, values and behaviours.
* Demonstrates behaviours which are caring and compassionate.
* Enthusiastic, having a positive work ethic, being keen to learn and able to work in an operating theatres and wider multi-disciplinary team.
Desirable
* Able to recognise situations when a more senior member of staff is required.
* Able to prioritise and organise own workload.
* Understands the importance of consistently providing individualised care basis.
* Attention to detail.
Additional Requirements
Essential
* The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
* To be able to recognise the extent and limitations of the Theatre Support Worker role health and safety requirements.
* Committed to providing patient care.
* The following hazards are associated with this job role: Manual handling, Night shift or shift work
Desirable
* Evidence of a desire to work in the operating theatre and to train as an ODP.
* Be enthusiastic, having a positive work ethic, being keen to learn and able to work in an operating theatres and wider multi-disciplinary team
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Addenbrookes
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB20QQ
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Addenbrookes
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB20QQ
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)