Job Description

The National Distribution Centre (NDC)

The Ministry of Justice Transport Unit is made up of three core business areas and sits within Commercial directorate.

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. For these units FES inspects, costs the parts required, and on agreement with the establishment, undertake the repairs needed to bring the vehicle to a roadworthy legal condition.

Role Summary

The Job holder will facilitate in the delivery and collection is 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 driver of crown HGV and LGV vehicles between NDC Branston and prison establishments, ensure delivery and collection where planned, and return to base. The routes can at times involve multi-drops at more than one prison establishments, 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 if 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 dependant 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.

Activities and Duties

• Safely operating HGV Vehicles, including Rigids, and Drawbar couplings up to 36 Tonne for Long-distance or local deliveries across England & Wales. This will require Navigation and adhering to road signage and weight limits.

• Conducting mandatory vehicle inspections at the start of each working day

• Reporting of any faults on vehicles or equipment to the Transport Manager or Team Leader

• Ensuring your vehicle and load are safe before embarking on your journey each day.

• Supervising and ensuring the loading/unloading of goods at prison establishments is done safely, and securely.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)

• Maintaining accurate Tachograph records and vehicle driving logs in line with DVSA and Working Time Directive regulations and ensuring delivery/collection paperwork is filled out correctly

• Regular correspondence with the Transport Manager/Team Leader regarding delivery issues, route changes, or delays.

• Dynamic Risk Assessments, with a safety-first mindset

• Accident reporting

• Ensuring you wear all provided PPE, and uniform, and adhere to all safety instructions on and off site.

Other Tasks

• Ensuring you maintain a professional attitude with customers at prison establishments, including wearing all provided uniform and PPE

• Attend relevant drivers meetings when arranged

• Provide accurate and reliable information when requested to support performance measures at the NDC

Health, Safety and Welfare

Report hazards. Support the Transport Manager in creating a safe working environment for staff, visitors, and contractors by adhering to Health and Safety legislation, ensuring Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) and Risk Assessments (RA) are followed, and by reporting any incidents to the Transport Manager/Health and Safety Manager.

Essential Criteria

• Valid Cat C+E Driving License

• Previous C+E Driving experience

• Valid Driver CPC Qualification and Digital Tachograph Card

• Understanding of UK Highway Code

• Ability to work long hours where required, including nights out

• Health & safety awareness & compliance

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to handle physical tasks such as strapping loads.

Desirable Criteria

• Proficiency in Manual Handling (training will be provided where necessary)

• Previous experience delivering to UK Prisons sites (not required)

Application Stage

An initial sift will be performed against the following elements and will be assessed against the Civil Service success profiles framework:

Experience

• CV

• Statement of Suitability (between 100 - 250 words): this should be based around the key responsibilities and essential criteria

Behaviours

• Managing a Quality Service

• Seeing the bigger picture

If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview and will be assessed on the selected success profile elements at the interview stage.

Interview stage

The interviews will be held at National Distribution Centre, Burton Road, Branston. DE14 3EG.  The site is shared with B&Q distribution, please follow the road signs for MoJ once entering the site and report to the security gate where you will be directed to the reception to sign in.  The interviews will be held on an Industrial Site and all staff and visitors are required to wear Hi-Vis Vests whilst moving around site; these will be provided by security on arrival, please ask for a vest if not offered one.

Behaviours

• Working together

• Delivering at pace

• Changing and improving

Strengths maybe assessed at the interview, and these are not shared in advance.

To learn more about the Civil Service success profiles framework and how they are assessed please click here.