Vehicle Preparation Operative

West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for the position of Vehicle Preparation Operative – Coventry Hub – Reserve Pool. Closing date: 01 December 2025 About the role We are looking to build a reserve pool of Vehicle Preparation Operatives to join our well‑established team for any vacancies that may arise over the following 12 months. Successful applicants will be responsible for the make‑ready preparation of emergency vehicles, ambulances and cars, ensuring all are correctly stocked, cleaned and ready to meet daily operational requirements. Applicants are expected to work a variety of shifts covering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 52 weeks a year, including days, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Please note this post may initially be working nights only – applicants must be fully flexible. This post now has a linked banding agreement and therefore, once you have completed 4 years in post as a Vehicle Preparation Operative you will move from Band 2 to Band 3, giving salary progression. Please note that due to the banding of this post the Trust is unable to provide sponsorship to work for this role. Applicants must have current right to work in the UK status. Work hours and conditions Successful candidates will be required to work various shifts covering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 52 weeks a year. This includes nights, weekends and bank holidays. The post holder must work unattended and unattended work shifts, may work remotely from the Trust’s depot, and may be required to work overnight. All required resources will be provided for the job function. Diversity & Inclusion West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and accessible workplace for everyone. We work to ensure each colleague feels empowered to succeed. We value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and therefore we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are proud to support our Armed Forces community and have signed up to the Step Into Health initiative. Applications are welcomed from Armed Forces veterans and service leavers. We guarantee to invite all applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role to attend assessment or interview. If you have a disability or learning difficulty, and prefer to disclose it, please feel free to do so in your application or contact the Recruitment Team via email at recruitment@wmas.nhs.uk for a confidential discussion. Job responsibilities Operational & Support Services To provide an effective contribution to the Depot Make‑Ready Team function by ensuring that vehicles and equipment are clean and ready to meet the stated daily operational requirement with emphasis on the mechanical condition and roadworthiness, correct stocking of clinical equipment and consumables, and all Make‑Ready quality standards set by the Trust. The deep cleaning programme for vehicles is coordinated with the vehicle servicing schedule, any operational movement requests are undertaken, and the buffer store is adequately stocked and refurbished. Vehicle Maintenance To assist Fleet Services in maintaining the operational serviceability of the vehicle fleet by undertaking vehicle inspection and minor running repairs to vehicles. Operational Response To contribute to the daily provision of sufficient staff to undertake the Make‑Ready function and to the provision of a call capability in support of the Make‑Ready function. Health & Safety at Work Compliance with HSE requirements in the use of all equipment and materials applicable to the Make‑Ready function. Communications To ensure effective communications with staff and their representatives, and identify and minimise interpersonal conflict. Reports To make reports as directed or as may be required on matters relevant to the Make‑Ready functions, such as personal accidents whilst on and off duty, injuries sustained at work, loss or damage to service vehicles and equipment, abuses of the service, and reporting of any hazardous, dangerous or defective equipment, premises or practices. Effort & Environmental Factors The pattern of work is unpredictable and interruptions can arise frequently during the shift. The work takes place in an open garage environment which is susceptible to extreme conditions of temperature. The physical requirements of the job include lifting and carrying supplies. Physical effort is required to wash vehicles and protective clothing is issued. The post holder is exposed to unpleasant smells, temperature, weather, bodily fluid on a day‑to‑day basis several times a shift. Additional Duties Perform such duties of either a higher or lower rank as may be reasonable from time to time. Ensure adherence to Health and Safety at Work Act, directions published in Routine Instructions, professional development needs, training needs of peers and colleagues, provision of professional advice and assistance in training of Trust employees, attendance at training courses, any other reasonable duties assigned by the Line Manager, adherence to the Trust’s Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, participation in the Trust's Appraisal Scheme as an appraisee, attendance at meetings and conferences to represent the Trust, maintenance of confidentiality, participation in major incidents and relevant exercises. NB. This job description identifies the major aspects of the post, but will be subject to review from time to time in light of the development of the Trust. Person Specification Experience Experience of stock taking Experience of driving a variety of vehicles Full UK driving licence including full category C1 entitlement Must be able to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship Qualifications Good standard of general education minimum of 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C or above to include English and Maths, or be willing to undertake a level 2 qualification whilst in post within the first 12 months of the role Must be willing to undertake any training as required by the Trust Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous convictions. Employer name West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust Salary £24,465 to £26,598 a year plus the relevant unsocial hours as per section 2. #J-18808-Ljbffr