15241 - Class 1 HGV Driver in Branston

The National Distribution Centre (NDC) is based in Branston, Staffordshire. It was purpose built in 2003 and the operation is responsible for the collection, storage and delivery of internally manufactured goods, raw materials, prisoner property, mattresses, footwear and a small amount of document storage. The site is also used to support other MoJ activities as and when required.

The warehouse is a modern, 135,000 sq. ft. ‘high bay’ facility which can accommodate 16,500 pallets / stillages in both wide and narrow aisle configurations. In addition, there is in the region of 6000 sq. ft. of office space. The in-house NDC fleet comprises 18 rigid / drawbar vehicles, and three vans providing a scheduled agreed service of approximately 300 visits per month. The fleet is designed to operate on a specialised demount system and this is largely governed by the problems that arise from physical access restrictions in prisons, necessitating a mix of vehicle types. The fleet delivers to the Prison Service estate on a national 5 day week basis, operating a single shift system, supported by ‘nights out’ as and when required.

The Transport Unit is responsible for providing a transport management service to the Ministry of Justice. The unit is also responsible for a specialised vehicle workshop based in Branston, with an engineering and administrative staff of eight. Three field based Regional Engineers, controlled by the transport unit provide a peripatetic service covering England and Wales. The primary functions include the development of transport policy, provision of technical advice and to administer the Crown Indemnity Insurance Policy and commercial insurance requirements.

Fleet Engineering Services (FES) operates out of Building 50 of the Branston site and is situated near the NDC. The facility has been occupied by FES since the late 1980’s. It provides services to HM Prisons and undertakes a wide range of engineering activities which include:

• The provision of first line servicing for the National Distribution Centre (NDC) fleet of heavy and light commercial vehicles, as well as second line repairs, bodywork and vehicle modifications.
• Design, develop and carry out conversion work on behalf of HMPPS tactical units as per their specifications.
• FES also undertake work at the start and end of a vehicle’s fleet life for the purchased fleet.
• This can involve an inspection or necessitate the removal of sensitive equipment before the disposal of a tactical vehicle.
• FES also inspect all vehicles returned to Branston to establish if they can be re issued to a unit where the requirement does not warrant a new vehicle.

Role Summary: The Job holder will facilitate in the delivery and collection of prison goods between NDC Branston and the individual prison establishments across England and Wales. Under the supervision of the Transport Manager, and Transport Team Leader respectively, the Job Holder will be responsible for the driving of crown HGV and LGV vehicles between NDC Branston and prison establishments, ensuring delivery and collection where planned, and return to base. The routes can at times involve multi-drops at more than one prison establishment, and can involve nights out where required.

The Job Holder will be responsible for managing their driving hours and working time directive hours in line with EU Legislation, as enforced by DVSA Rules. These will be monitored by the transport team at NDC Branston. The Job Holder is also responsible for ensuring they adhere to safe working practices when on the job, on site, at delivery points, and when driving on the public highway.

Candidates must have a valid C+E Driving license, as they will be required to drive 36 Tonne Drawbar vehicles as part of their normal duties. Candidates must also have previous Class 1 driving experience, due to the bespoke nature of our vehicle drop body system, and prison access challenges making it troublesome for first time drivers. The contracted hours will be Monday to Friday, as a basic of 37.5 hours. Operating hours are between 04:00-19:00. Shift start times can vary depending on the job day-to-day. Overtime is an expected part of the role at a rate of 1.25hrs, which can vary week to week. On occasions, you might be asked to work weekends on overtime rate depending on the demands of the NDC.

Key Responsibilities: The duties, activities and responsibilities listed below are not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations, and additional tasks of a similar level that may, from time to time, be required. Where necessary, appropriate training and instruction will be provided.