Job description
Become a Revenue Protection Officer and you’ll play a key role in improving the services that thousands of passengers rely on every day. That’s because you’re performing vital investigation work to make sure all passengers are paying their fares.
You’ll be out and about travelling on our trains every day, inspecting passengers’ tickets and collecting fares from those who haven’t paid. You’ll interview suspected fare evaders, fill out forms and process related paperwork. This direct contact can be highly rewarding, as you’ll witness the results of a job well done on a daily basis.
Working in a team, you’ll have supportive colleagues travelling with you, and plenty of passengers to deal with. You will perform gateline duties when required and carry out ticket checking blocks at stations across the network. You should be willing to work in all weather conditions and be on your feet for most of your time, in this shift based position.
On appointment into a RPO role you will be enrolled into the Passenger Services Apprenticeship Programme which will lead to a nationally recognised qualification.
You will be given full vocational training (including functional skills) to ensure you have the skills, experience and knowledge required for the role.
Working here
You will work a varied shift pattern, which includes weekends, bank holidays and nights.
You may be required to start work as early as 0530 hrs and some shifts will mean you will finish after the last train has dispatched for the evening – so ideally you will have your own transport to get to and from your place of work.
Main ResponsibilitiesThis is what some of our existing Revenue Protection Officers have to say....
“Even when issuing a penalty fare it is important to focus on customer service – if someone you’ve issued a penalty fare to walks away saying “thank you”, we know we’ve done a great job!”
“It’s obviously vital that you are able to talk to people too, and adapt to different people in different situations. Treating people with respect and dignity is important and you’ll find people respond much better to you if you do this.”
“Whilst checking tickets and issuing penalty fares is a big part of the job, customer service is also paramount too. We often find ourselves giving directions, advising on routes and helping out customers.”
“On arriving at work each day, you are assigned a partner and a route for the day. You never work alone, always in twos or sometimes larger groups.”
The Ideal CandidateTo be considered for this role you should demonstrate the following in your application:
- Good verbal and written communication skills including tact and diplomacy.
- Previous experience of working in an environment with a high level of customer contact, ideally where you have had to deal with conflict.
- Ability to make sound conclusions when under pressure.
- Resilient and able to remain professional in confrontational situations.
- Able to work using own initiative and as part of a team.
- Able to evaluate and interpret information in order to make appropriate conclusions.
- Previous cash handling experience.
You need to live within a 45 minute commute to the station, if you do not reside within the required geographical location then your application will be withdrawn.
Are you interested in finding out more about all of the different types of roles Southeastern have to offer? Then register your interest today to attend one of our Recruitment Webinars by following the link below!:
https://careers.southeasternrailway.co.uk/members/modules/job/detail.php?record=1146
About The CompanyAbout Southeastern
Southeastern runs train services into London from Kent and East Sussex, operating almost 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 400,000 passengers, serving 176 stations and covering 540 miles of track.
Just over 4,600 employees - mostly from the communities that we serve - work together to provide this vital service and we are looking to expand our successful team. We have a strong set of values that shape the way we run our business and guide our staff in delivering what our customers need. These are:
- We aim to be the best
- We make the difference together
- We care passionately about our people and our passengers
We are committed to being an inclusive employer, creating a workplace where everyone can come to work, feel safe and comfortable and able to do everything to the best of their ability. Read about some of the great Diversity and Inclusion initiatives our Head of Colleague Experience has been leading on here.
We recognise the positive value of diversity and it matters to us that our teams reflect the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
We are also proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for Women. If you would like to know more information about how we are supporting our employees, you can view our policies and initiatives here.
If you have been unsuccessful in the recruitment process for the same/similar position you will not be eligible to apply for a period of 6 months from that date.
All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years and any previous railway employment). We will also complete right to work in the UK and criminal record checks. This is to ensure we are employing the best person for the role and to protect our customers, colleagues and our reputation. We are unable to offer sponsorship to work in the UK.
This post will close before the intended closing date should sufficient number of suitable applications be received. Therefore, if you are interested in applying for this role, we suggest that you do so at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.
SOUTHEASTERN is owned by SE Trains Ltd, a subsidiary of the Department for Transport’s public sector owning group, ‘DOHL.’ DOHL has responsibility for three rail companies, LNER, Northern Trains Limited and SE Trains.
Package DescriptionSoutheastern recognises the value of every individual employee and offers benefits that reflect this.
As well as a generous salary, we offer an comprehensive benefits package which includes;
- A Contributory Final Salary Pension Scheme
- Free rail travel on Southeastern and GTR rail services (extends to family members for leisure/educational travel)
- After a qualifying period, reduced rate travel on other train operators, including European services
- 32 days annual leave entitlement (which includes bank holidays)
- Access to an array of discounts for retail and leisure products through our benefits scheme.
- Family friendly benefits including enhanced maternity/paternity leave, parental leave and carers leave.
- Full training, a nationally recognised qualification and free uniform