3371 - Official Driver - Welsh Essential x2

Welsh Government; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organization in Cardiff seeks an Official Driver to ensure timely and secure transportation for officials. The role includes journey organization, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to security protocols. Candidates must have a full UK driving licence and demonstrate strong communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary of £34,997 with additional benefits, including a pension scheme and development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Learning and development opportunities

Civil Service pension

Qualifications

• Must possess a full UK driving licence.
• Ability to manage time and respond to short-notice requirements.
• Competency in maintaining high standards of confidentiality and security.

Responsibilities

• Organise and undertake all journeys, ensuring vehicle security.
• Conduct basic administrative duties.
• Plan and undertake emergency transport procedures.

Skills

Driving skills

Security awareness

Time management

Communication

Education

Full UK driving licence

Job description

You will ensure timely transportation while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, courtesy, and security. As a representative of Welsh Government, you will demonstrate professionalism and integrity at all times, reflecting our commitment to excellent public service and respect for all. The role also involves caring for vehicles, following security protocols, and supporting sustainability in line with Welsh Government values.

Responsibilities

• Organise, plan and undertake all journeys, in conjunction with private and diary secretaries.
• Obtain background information on all journeys using the internet when appropriate and undertake route planning reconnoitres when required.
• Undertake journeys without the above for short‑notice work.
• Respond at short notice to Ministerial requirements falling outside normal working times.
• Liaise with Police and Special Branch officers regarding potential threats at venues.
• Plan emergency procedures to transport passengers to hospital in the event of illness or injury.
• Undertake basic administrative duties including completion of log sheets, overtime claim forms and credit‑card returns for submission to line manager.
• Check that all official vehicles are roadworthy and arrange maintenance work or periodical servicing, advising line manager of action taken.
• Undertake a daily check of all vehicle fluid levels (e.g. oil and water) and top up as necessary.
• Check that the vehicle is always equipped with a first aid kit and the necessary tools for fitting the spare wheel.
• Ensure that the vehicles are cleaned regularly and, when necessary, valeted to keep them presentable.
• Ensure that security checks are undertaken on the vehicles on a daily basis to identify any possible threats.
• Work closely with line manager to develop and maintain effective communications within the team.
• Undertake any Facilities Management duties as determined by line manager.
• Other duties to be determined by line manager as required.

Behaviours assessed

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

Selection process and stages

Three-stage process:

1. Stage 1 – Application form
2. Stage 2 – Other assessment
3. Stage 3 – Interview

Official Drivers are substantive Team Support grade; for pay purposes they operate as a hybrid pay point. A reserve list may be held for this opportunity; any candidate who is successful in being offered reserve status will remain on the reserve list for 12 months. A driving test will be required before the interview stage. In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Managing a Quality Service. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to driving assessment/interview. In the event of two or more candidates having the same total score at interview the panel will consider: Experience 2; if still tied, revert to highest score on Managing a Quality Service and then Working Together. Candidates must hold a full UK driving licence. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet the security requirements before appointment. The level of security needed is a counter‑terrorist check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Nationality requirements

• UK nationals
• National of the Republic of Ireland
• National of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• National of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• National of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Welsh language skills

• Understanding by reading – 5 (Full understanding of all work‑related material)
• Speaking and being understood – 5 (Fluent)
• Understanding by listening – 5 (Can understand all work‑related conversations)
• Writing and being understood – 5 (Can prepare written material for all work‑related matters)

Salary and benefits

£34,997 basic salary plus a 5‑hour weekly supplement of £4,729.30 (pro‑rated), totaling a starting salary of £39,726.30. An employer contribution of 28.97 % to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme is included. Benefits include: learning and development tailored to your role; flexible working options; a culture encouraging inclusion and diversity; and a Civil Service pension.