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- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure safe and efficient transport services for the community.
- Company: Join Luton Council, a supportive organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a chance to impact lives.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a community-focused team supporting vulnerable passengers.
- Qualifications: Experience with passenger vehicles and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27254 - 29540 £ per year.
Salary: £27,254–£29,540 a year pro rata.
Hours per week: 14.8.
Contract type: Permanent.
Luton Council is seeking a committed and experienced Leading Hand to support the day-to-day operations of the Passenger Transport Unit. This is a hands-on role combining leadership, driving responsibilities, and operational coordination to ensure safe, efficient transport services for our community. You will act as a key liaison between operational staff and the Fleet Office, ensuring smooth communication and effective service delivery. The role also involves supervising staff, maintaining high safety standards, and supporting passengers with a wide range of needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Allocate daily duties to operational staff and support service delivery
- Act as a link between drivers, escorts, and the Fleet Office
- Carry out basic vehicle checks and minor repairs (e.g. non-starts)
- Conduct driver assessments and assist with staff training
- Ensure safe vehicle practices within the depot and yard area
- Drive a range of passenger vehicles (up to 16 seats)
- Escort passengers on prescribed routes, ensuring their safety and wellbeing
- Support passengers with mobility needs, including handling wheelchairs
- Maintain accurate records, reports, and numeric data
About you
- Experience working with people, including those with physical or mental disabilities
- Experience driving passenger-carrying vehicles (up to 16 seats)
- A valid driving licence with D1 entitlement
- Knowledge of daily vehicle checks and basic maintenance procedures
- Ability to carry out minor vehicle repairs
- Understanding of traffic regulations
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage tactfully with passengers, carers, colleagues, and the public
- Good written skills, including report writing and data handling
- IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel
- The ability to manage competing demands and workload pressures
Training & Development
- Safeguarding Adults & Children
- Autism & Dementia Awareness
- Team Leader Development
- First Aid
- Contextual Safeguarding, FGM & Radicalisation
- PATS Trainer
- DSL, GDPR & EDI
Additional Requirements
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion principles
- willingness to work on a rota system, including outside normal working hours
- Flexible and proactive approach to work
Why Join Luton Council?
Join a supportive and community-focused organisation where your work makes a real difference to people’s daily lives. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring safe and accessible transport for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Leading Hand employer: Luton Council
Contact Detail:
Luton Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Leading Hand
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that Leading Hand role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to leadership and operational coordination. We can even role-play with friends to boost our confidence and nail those responses!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with people and vehicles during interviews. We should highlight our skills in managing diverse needs and ensuring safety, as these are key for the role at Luton Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our progress and any updates on the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Leading Hand
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with passenger transport and leadership. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising between various teams, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong communication abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect how you can engage effectively with passengers and colleagues.
Highlight Your Driving Experience: Don’t forget to mention your driving experience, especially with passenger-carrying vehicles. We’re looking for someone who has a valid D1 licence and knows their way around vehicle checks and basic maintenance, so make that stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Luton Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Leading Hand. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like allocating duties, conducting driver assessments, and ensuring safety standards. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves working closely with staff and passengers, be prepared to discuss your experience with people, especially those with disabilities. Share specific examples of how you've effectively communicated and supported individuals in previous roles to demonstrate your suitability.
✨Highlight Your Driving Experience
Be ready to talk about your driving history, particularly with passenger-carrying vehicles. Mention any relevant qualifications, like your D1 entitlement, and discuss your knowledge of vehicle checks and minor repairs. This will reassure them of your capability to handle the driving responsibilities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage competing demands. Think of scenarios where you've had to juggle multiple tasks or resolve conflicts, and be ready to explain how you handled them. This will showcase your leadership and organisational skills.