Train Guard SWR help needed b4 interview

Hello everyone

I have a job interview coming soon and I would like to ask if someone can share with me some information about the operational aspects of the job?

I have looked and the forum and searched google but I would appreciate if someone who is actually working in this position can give me some info.

Thank you very much!

I had my interview last week, in all honesty it was very relaxed and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so firstly don't panic it won't catch you out at any point.
Have a look at the job description online on the recruitment advert - it will say something along the linesbof principle responsibilities and safety responsibilities.

Cover these and I don't think you'll go far wrong

No idea for swr but in general it’s safety first punctuality second revenue third and last customer service. Some may put customer service before revenue but hey ho.

Fergus1981 said:

Hello everyone

I have a job interview coming soon and I would like to ask if someone can share with me some information about the operational aspects of the job?

I have looked and the forum and searched google but I would appreciate if someone who is actually working in this position can give me some info.

Thank you very much!

Click to expand...

Only just left the guards role with SWR to become a trainee train driver, so hopefully can help.

Operational:
The safe operation of the power doors, opening and closing them safely. Helping people who need it on and off the train, whether that be helping those with luggage or wheelchair users who need a ramp deployed to board the train. Being responsible for the time keeping of the train (right time railway). Dispatching at each station, communicating with platform staff where provided, using equipment where provided to manage the PTI (platform train interface) risk most effectively. Communicating with the driver clearly where necessary, through bell/ buzzer code system, flags/ lights or the cab to cab radio (telephone). Taking control in an emergency to protect the train and passengers from harms way. Whether that be evacuating a train, shutting off the power, laying down track circuit clips and detonators.

Customer Service:
ALWAYS walking through the train where possible, creating a visible staff presence and being able to assist passengers with enquiries or who need assistance. Being friendly gets you a long way in the job... If you're nice to people, 99% of the time they're nice to you back. Communicating with passengers using the P.A system on the train, keeping them up to date with journey information, onward travel information and prompt info about any delays incurred.

Revenue:
This only applies to you if you're applying for a commercial guard role (most guards in the London/ Metro area are NON Commercial, and therefore do not do tickets. Commercial guards check tickets and passes are valid, including travel cards (student, couples card etc). Selling tickets where possible, and issuing penalty notices/ fines to those who cannot/ will not pay.

Hope this helps, feel free to inbox me any questions you might have. Make sure you do some research into the company... e.g. where do SWR travel to, who's the M.D., types of trains, stations, etc etc.

Bridger said:

Revenue:
This only applies to you if you're applying for a commercial guard role (most guards in the London/ Metro area are NON Commercial, and therefore do not do tickets. Commercial guards check tickets and passes are valid, including travel cards (student, couples card etc). Selling tickets where possible, and issuing penalty notices/ fines to those who cannot/ will not pay.

Click to expand...

On the revenue side, just to note, Commercial Guards don’t issue Penalty fares, only revenue staff can do this.

Bridger said:

Revenue:
This only applies to you if you're applying for a commercial guard role (most guards in the London/ Metro area are NON Commercial, and therefore do not do tickets. Commercial guards check tickets and passes are valid, including travel cards (student, couples card etc). Selling tickets where possible, and issuing penalty notices/ fines to those who cannot/ will not pay.

Click to expand...

Just a slight correction, commercial guards do not impose fines (only a court can do this) or Issue Penalty Fare notices. They can issue Unpaid Fares Notices but this is rare as the time it takes to issue means it can interfere with your dispatch duties.

Generally speaking you'll issue tickets where you can, but don't get bogged down in fare disputes. That's not why your there, if needs be walk away and fill out a report for revenue protection to follow up on a later date.

You'll likely to be asked a ranged of compentency based questions, you'll need to be able to give specific examples when you have carried out tasks. The common ones tend to be:

- Give an example when you have carried out a task where safety was a factor.

- Give an example when you have had to persuade another person to see you point of view.

- Give an example of when you have had to organise an event or manage a small group of people.

- Give an example when you gave outstanding customer service.

You get the general idea, as others have said research as much as you can about the company, where SWR serve and what the company plan to implement in the next few months. Wouldn't harm to mention the new timetable and the new (and old) rolling stock be introduced.

Just remember safety first, and that means your own personal safety is your primary concern as if you cannot keep yourself safe how do you keep your passengers safe?

Fergus1981 said:

Hello everyone

I have a job interview coming soon and I would like to ask if someone can share with me some information about the operational aspects of the job?

I have looked and the forum and searched google but I would appreciate if someone who is actually working in this position can give me some info.

Thank you very much!

Click to expand...

Hi,

Which depot did you apply for?

Good luck with your interview!

Hello guys

Thanknyou for reply, especially Bridger. I will pm u if I have more questions. Many thanks again!

Monty said:

Just a slight correction, commercial guards do not impose fines (only a court can do this) or Issue Penalty Fare notices. They can issue Unpaid Fares Notices but this is rare as the time it takes to issue means it can interfere with your dispatch duties.

Generally speaking you'll issue tickets where you can, but don't get bogged down in fare disputes. That's not why your there, if needs be walk away and fill out a report for revenue protection to follow up on a later date.

You'll likely to be asked a ranged of compentency based questions, you'll need to be able to give specific examples when you have carried out tasks. The common ones tend to be:

- Give an example when you have carried out a task where safety was a factor.

- Give an example when you have had to persuade another person to see you point of view.

- Give an example of when you have had to organise an event or manage a small group of people.

- Give an example when you gave outstanding customer service.

You get the general idea, as others have said research as much as you can about the company, where SWR serve and what the company plan to implement in the next few months. Wouldn't harm to mention the new timetable and the new (and old) rolling stock be introduced.

Just remember safety first, and that means your own personal safety is your primary concern as if you cannot keep yourself safe how do you keep your passengers safe?

Click to expand...

Apologies! I was a non commercial guard so I'm not entirely clued up on commercial responsibilities. Thanks for clarifying.

Hello Everyone!
I am new to this forum and this is my first post
I have recently applied for a Guard job in SWR and I got invited for an assesment day next week.. Could someone please tell me what should i expect and in generall, what the assesment day looks like ? What i am interested in and would like to know is : what to expect, what tests i will need to complete there and if they are really difficult? Maybe there is someone here who has recently applied or anyone really who has done it and could kindly share this knowlage with me.. I will be forever grateful !! Thank you