Vehicle Preparation Operative - Hereford Hub

NHS; Tenbury Wells; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional ambulance service in the UK seeks Vehicle Preparation Operatives to maintain emergency vehicles' readiness. Responsibilities include stocking, cleaning, and preparing vehicles for operation. Suitable candidates must possess a full UK driving license, effective communication skills, and be flexible to work various shifts. This permanent position offers a salary of £24,465 to £26,598 annually, progressing to Band 3 after four years. An inclusive workplace valuing diversity is promoted.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work in the UK without sponsorship.
• Full UK driving licence including full category C1 entitlement.
• Willing to undertake any required training.

Responsibilities

• Ensure vehicles and equipment are clean and operational.
• Assist in vehicle inspection and minor repairs.
• Contribute to daily staffing needs for Make Ready function.

Skills

Stock taking

Driving a variety of vehicles

Effective communication skills

Education

Minimum of 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C or above including English and Maths

Job description

Job Summary

West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust is looking to build a reserve pool of Vehicle Preparation Operatives to join our well established team for any vacancies that may arise over the coming 12 months.

We are looking for motivated individuals who will work as part of the team that are responsible for the Make Ready preparation of emergency vehicles, ambulances and cars.

You will be responsible for the make ready preparation of vehicles and equipment ensuring vehicles are correctly stocked, cleaned and ready to meet the daily operational requirement.

Successful applicants will be expected to work various shifts covering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week & 52 weeks a year including days, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Applicants must be fully flexible as this post may initially be working nights only.

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, in order to be eligible to apply you must have current right to work in the UK status.

About our Organisation

West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and accessible workplace for everyone where our colleagues feel empowered to succeed.

Each person plays a vital part to ensuring our organisation meets the differing needs of our communities ultimately enabling us to save lives. We acknowledge that a workforce that reflects the communities that it serves provides better patient care and we are therefore looking for self‑motivated, enthusiastic people from all backgrounds that care about making a difference to our patients.

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity at all levels. We are proud to have maintained Disability Confident Leader status and as part of our commitments to this 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. You can also contact the Recruitment Team via email at [e-mail] if you wish to have a confidential discussion. We use this information, with your permission, to ensure you are fully supported during the recruitment process.

The Trust is proud to support our Armed Forces community and have signed up to the Step Into Health initiative. We welcome applications from Armed Forces Veterans and Service leavers.

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 of the vehicle and its roadworthiness.
• The correct scale of stocking of clinical equipment and consumables.
• All Make Ready quality standards set by the Trust are met.
• The deep cleaning programme for vehicles is coordinated with the vehicle servicing schedule.
• Any requests for the operational movement of vehicles and equipment is undertaken.
• 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.
• The provision of an on call capability in support of the Make Ready function.

Health and 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. Identify and minimise interpersonal conflict.

Reports

To make reports as directed or as may be required on matters relevant to the Make Ready function such as:

• Personal accidents whilst on and off duty.
• Injuries sustained whilst at work.
• Loss or damage to Service vehicles and equipment.
• Abuses of the Service.
• Reporting of any hazardous, dangerous or defective equipment, premises or practices.

Effort and 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.

To ensure adherence to Health and Safety at Work Act.

To ensure adherence to directions as published in Routine Instructions.

To develop oneself within the job and be proactive in identifying own professional development needs.

To contribute towards the development and review of the training needs of own peers and colleagues.

To provide professional advice and assistance in training of Trust employees as appropriate.

Attend any course the Service deems necessary for individual and/or organisational development.

Perform any other reasonable duties as may be assigned from time to time by your Line Manager.

To ensure adherence to the Trusts Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.

To take part in the Trust's Appraisal Scheme as an appraisee.

To attend meetings and conferences to represent the Trust when requested.

To maintain confidentiality at all times.

To participate in major incidents and relevant exercises as required.

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
• Effective communication skills
• Full UK driving licence including full category C1 entitlement

Visa Status

• 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 criminal convictions.

Pay & Benefits

Pay Scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 2 (will progress to Band 3 after 4 years in post)

Salary: £24,465 to £26,598 a year plus the relevant unsocial hours as per section 2

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: C9217-171-25-26

Date posted: 19 December 2025

Employer details

West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust

Hereford Hub

Ross Road

Grafton

Hereford

HR2 8BH

Website: https://wmas.nhs.uk/careers-staff-room/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job locations

Hereford Hub

Ross Road

Grafton

Hereford

HR2 8BH