At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive a passenger vehicle, ensuring safety and providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join HATS Group, the UK's leading private healthcare transport provider.
- Benefits: Earn £13.54 per hour with flexible working hours and training opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's lives while enjoying a dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: Valid UK driving licence and good communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 14 £ per hour.
Location: Unit 71, Capital Business Centre, 22 Carlton Road
The HATS Group is the UK's foremost private healthcare provider, excelling in patient‑centric transport services with an 'Outstanding' rating for Responsiveness from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). HATS Group are a provider of Private Ambulances, and this is an activity regulated by the CQC. HATS Group are also regulated by Local Authorities for services delivered under SEND. HATS Group is recognized for professionalism, excellence, and a fleet of over 800 vehicles, supporting various public and private healthcare institutions, delivering over 2,000,000 passenger movements annually.
We have an opportunity for a PCO Company Driver to join our team.
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.
Main duties:
- 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.
- Check the condition of the vehicle prior to commencing service: carry out the safety walk round check.
- Report any defect in the vehicle or equipment as soon as possible.
- Complete the Vehicle Defect Card or enter the defect on the electronic ticket machine.
- Ensure the vehicle is clean and tidy before starting service.
- Comply with laws and company regulations regarding mobile phones, smoking in company vehicles, and prohibited equipment.
- Be responsible for health, safety, security, welfare, environmental and fire safety arrangements.
- Attend safety briefings and training as required.
- Report all safety accidents/incidents using the company’s reporting procedure.
- Understand emergency and evacuation plans.
- Keep the bus cab area safe and tidy.
- Provide a high standard of customer service.
- Inform customers of road closures and diversions.
- Behave in a friendly and professional way to customers and colleagues.
- Assist with the additional needs of children and vulnerable adults.
- Drive the Company’s vehicles safely, legally, and professionally.
- Adhere to the set timetable when it is safe to do so.
- Stay updated with road closures, diversions, or special events affecting the service.
- Hold a valid driving licence and Person PCO Licence at all times.
A Driver Must Ensure That:
- Their driver licence and person PCO licence is in date and valid for the vehicle type they are driving.
- Their licence has the required medical renewals up to date.
- Any change to the licence affecting their entitlement to drive is communicated to their line manager.
- Their licence is available for inspection every 6 months.
- They report for work at the correct time and location with the correct equipment.
- The company dress code is always observed when on duty.
- Not to report for work when overtired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Relevant notification procedures are followed in the event of absence from work.
- All safety, security, driving and customer service incidents are reported to the line manager as soon as possible.
- All incidents on the road affecting the service are reported as soon as it is safe to do so.
- They take part in a yearly appraisal.
- They provide feedback about how services can be improved to their line manager.
- They ensure adherence to all HATS policies and procedures.
- They undertake any reasonable request made by the Company.
Work Environment:
Participate in flexible working hours with general core working hours between 07.00 – 09.00 and 14.30 – 16.30. Undertake additional work as the service needs dictate. The job holder follows instructed daily and weekly work schedules and is required to report to the Controller where incidents or problems occur. The jobholder’s usual place of work is predominantly outdoor on vehicles that transport clients from and to various locations. It is required to work safely and efficiently in all weather, traffic and road conditions.
Required Criteria:
- Valid current UK (or acceptable other) drivers licence.
- No greater than 3 penalty points.
- Good understanding of written and spoken English Language.
- Good numeric skills (able to add and subtract cash).
- Proven eligibility to work in the UK.
- Able to provide suitable references.
- Able to prove their 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.
- Good written and verbal communication skills using English Language to ESOL entry level 2.
- Has the physical capability to carry out the role.
- Customer service skills.
- Pass medical requirements.
- Must pass enhanced CRB check.
- Must pass alcohol and drugs screening as per policy.
Desired Criteria:
- Own transport and lives within reasonable distance of place of work.
- Bus industry knowledge and an appreciation of bus regulations.
- Understanding of what good customer service looks like.
- NVQ in Road Passenger Transport.
- Customer Service Training NVQ in Customer Care.
- Advanced Driver training Certificate.
- Professional driving experience.
- Experience of dealing with customers.
- Knowledge of geographical operating area.
- Accident free record over the last 12 months.
Closing Date: Thursday 1st October, 2026
Contract Type: Part‑time
Salary: £13.54 Hourly
H2S PCO Company Driver - Croydon employer: HATS Group
The HATS Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of both its clients and employees. With a strong commitment to fostering a supportive work culture, we offer flexible part-time roles that allow for meaningful engagement with the community while providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our team enjoys a collaborative environment where compassion and teamwork are at the forefront, making every day rewarding as you make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land H2S PCO Company Driver - Croydon
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like HATS Group.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by HATS Group. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace H2S PCO Company Driver - Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at HATS Group, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at HATS Group and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into HATS Group. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at HATS Group
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at HATS Group.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to HATS Group.
