At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive safely while providing excellent customer service to passengers.
- Company: Join HATS Group, a leader in home-to-school transport services.
- Benefits: Earn £13.15 per hour with flexible working hours and London Living Wage.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community by helping children and vulnerable adults.
- Qualifications: Valid UK driving licence and good communication skills required.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for training and career growth.
Job Title
H2S PCO Company Driver – CROYDON (HATS Group)
Location
Unit 71, Capital Business Centre, 22 Carlton Road, Croydon
Job Purpose
A PCO company driver is responsible for driving a passenger‑carrying vehicle and providing good customer service and a safe and comfortable journey throughout the network of HATS home‑to‑school services.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure safety and wellbeing of clients throughout the journey and handover.
- Wear high‑visibility PPE in vehicle movement areas.
- Observe speed limits within bus depots and school premises.
- Conduct pre‑service safety walk‑round checks and report any defects.
- Maintain vehicle cleanliness and tidiness before service.
- Abide by company regulations regarding mobile phones, smoking and prohibited equipment.
- Perform health, safety, security, welfare, environmental and fire safety duties.
- Attend safety briefings and training as required.
- Report all safety accidents/incidents using the company reporting procedure.
- Understand and execute emergency and evacuation plans.
- Provide high standard of customer service, informing passengers of relevant information.
- Assist children and vulnerable adults with additional needs.
- Operate company vehicles in a safe, legal and professional manner.
- Adhere to timetable, avoid running early or late when unsafe.
- Stay updated on road closures, diversions and special events.
- Maintain valid driving licence and Person PCO licence, keeping them up to date.
- Report for work on time, with correct equipment and dressing for duty.
- Participate in annual appraisal and provide feedback to line manager.
- Follow all HATS policies and procedures and undertake any reasonable request.
Required Criteria
- Valid current UK (or acceptable other) driver’s licence.
- No greater than 3 penalty points.
- Good written and spoken English.
- Basic arithmetic skills (add and subtract cash).
- Eligibility to work in the UK.
- Suitable reference checks and proof of identity.
- Valid current Person PCO certificate.
- Basic secondary school education or equivalent.
- Prepared to undertake training such as NVQ as required.
- Ability to drive a vehicle to a competent and safe standard.
- ESOL entry level 2 written and verbal communication skills.
- Physical capability to carry out the role.
- Customer service skills.
- Pass medical requirements.
- Pass enhanced CRB check.
- Pass alcohol and drugs screening as per policy.
Desired Criteria
- Own transport within reasonable distance of Croydon.
- Bus industry knowledge and appreciation of bus regulations.
- Excellent customer service orientation.
- NVQ in Road Passenger Transport.
- Customer Service Training.
- NVQ in Customer Care.
- Advanced Driver training Certificate.
- Professional driving experience.
- Experience dealing with customers.
- Knowledge of operating area geography.
- Accident‑free record over the last 12 months.
Contract & Salary
Full‑time. £13.15 hourly. London Living Wage (LLW) included.
Work Hours
Monday to Friday. Core hours 07:00‑09:00 & 14:30‑16:30, with flexibility for service needs.
Closing Date
Sunday 30th November 2025
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H2S PCO Company Driver - CROYDON employer: HATS Group
Contact Detail:
HATS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land H2S PCO Company Driver - CROYDON
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research HATS Group and their values. When you show up for an interview, drop in some knowledge about their services and how you can contribute. It’ll impress them and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! As a driver, you’ll be interacting with clients regularly. Think of scenarios where you might need to assist passengers, especially those with additional needs, and rehearse how you’d handle them.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When you go for your interview, wear something that reflects professionalism and safety. It shows you take the role seriously and understand the importance of being presentable in a driving position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace H2S PCO Company Driver - CROYDON
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Driving Skills: Make sure to highlight your driving experience and any relevant qualifications in your application. We want to see that you’ve got a valid UK driver’s licence and a Person PCO certificate, so don’t forget to mention those!
Customer Service is Key: Since this role involves interacting with passengers, it’s super important to showcase your customer service skills. Share any experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers – we love to see that!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use simple language and make sure to answer any questions in the job description directly. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by us. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at HATS Group
✨Know Your Route
Familiarise yourself with the local area around Croydon, especially the routes you might be driving. Being able to discuss your knowledge of the geography and any potential road closures or diversions will show that you're proactive and prepared.
✨Safety First
Make sure you understand the safety protocols and procedures outlined in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you would conduct pre-service checks and handle emergencies. This shows that you take safety seriously and are ready to ensure the wellbeing of your passengers.
✨Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think about situations where you assisted customers, especially those with additional needs, as this is crucial for the role. Highlighting your communication skills will also be a plus!
✨Dress the Part
Arrive at the interview dressed appropriately, reflecting the professional image expected of a PCO company driver. Wearing smart attire can make a great first impression and shows that you respect the role and the company’s standards.