About the Organisation
NHS Orkney is committed to delivering excellent care to our 22,000 residents. Whether you’re new to the NHS or bringing experience from elsewhere, your skills will make a real difference.
Our modern healthcare facility, The Balfour, brings together inpatient care, emergency services, outpatient clinics, diagnostics, GP practices and the Scottish Ambulance Service. We’re also investing in services across our outer isles, ensuring high‑quality care reaches every corner of Orkney.
We are guided by our core values that shape everything we do: Open and honest, Respect and Kindness from how we care for our patients to how we support each other as colleagues.
About Orkney
With over 70 islands of which 20 are inhabited, Orkney offers a unique blend of natural beauty, close‑knit community and adventure. From dramatic coastlines and rare wildlife to rich cultural traditions and active lifestyles, it’s a place where compassion thrives and every day brings something new. Orkney is regularly named one of the UK’s best places to live, offering a fulfilling and inspiring lifestyle.
The Position
The postholder will provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Estates Department, working under the direction of the Estates Maintenance Officer. The role is key to ensuring the efficient day‑to‑day running of the department, delivering a high standard of administrative assistance across a range of services, including the Central Decontamination Unit (CDU), Medical Physics and Stores services. The postholder will work closely with colleagues across these areas to help maintain effective processes, coordinate activities and ensure services are delivered smoothly and efficiently.
The Candidate
You will have previous administrative experience and be confident working in a busy environment where priorities can change and deadlines must be met. You will be comfortable dealing with a wide range of people, including managing challenging situations professionally and effectively. Strong IT skills are essential, with experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and Access, together with experience of minute‑taking and producing accurate documentation.
Educated to SVQ Level 3 in Administration, or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience, you will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and a keen eye for detail. You will be highly organised, numerate and able to manage your own workload effectively while maintaining high standards of accuracy and confidentiality.
Location, Working Pattern and Contract Duration
Based at The Balfour, the successful candidate will work part‑time: 22 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 08:30–13:00 and Friday 08:00–12:30.
This post is Fixed‑Term for 12 months due to the substantive postholder’s return from maternity leave.
It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK.
Benefits and Salary
The salary for this post is Band 3 and, if residing on Orkney, you’ll also receive a Distant Islands Allowance of £1,719 pro‑rata per annum.
NHS Orkney offers an attractive pension scheme, a wide range of work‑life balance policies, an employee assistance programme and various discounts to both local and national retailers.
Further Information
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during your application. If there are additional requirements you would like to request, please contact Teresa Marwick, Compliance Officer by email on (email protected) For further guidance on the recruitment process and tips for creating a strong application, please refer to our Candidate Application Pack.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
NHS Orkney is an equal‑opportunities employer committed to advancing equality and particularly welcomes applications from groups of people currently under‑represented within the workforce. We are a committed participant in the Disability Confident Leader Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for our vacancies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence, automated tools or other third‑party assistance to generate, draft or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process. Please note this advert may close early if sufficient applications are received.
Interview Date
Wednesday 12th or Thursday 13th of August 2026
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