Station Control Assistant

[WillGodfrey89]

This is my first post on the forum so hello everyone.

I'm due to start a position at London Bridge station as a Station Control Assistant (with Network Rail) in the next couple of weeks, so was just looking for some general advice and information about the job. Perhaps someone on here already does this job?

My last job was working in the Met Police control room so I've got some idea of what to expect in terms of the computer systems, talking over radios and working shifts, but have never worked on the railway before so I'm sure there'll be a few things new things I'll have to get used to as well.

One thing I was wondering is if there's likely to be much overtime available, as there was loads where I used to work, although they did start to clamp down on it a bit.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[EM2]

I can't say for London Bridge, as the role varies from station to station.
But broadly speaking, you will be collating the security checks called in by CSAs on the station, monitoring the whole station via CCTV, reviewing and downloading CCTV if needed, taking command of the fire panel if it activates and directing staff to incidents, keeping a log of incidents during the shift, answering queries that CSAs can't answer for some reason, possibly controlling the departure and arrival boards with platform information, making PA announcements, and generally making sure the station runs smoothly.
But where you'll really earn your corn is when there is disruption to train services and also if there's an emergency. When that happens, everyone will be looking to you for advice and information.
As for overtime, seeing as there's a new team been recruited and all the vacancies filled, it's unlikely.

 

[WillGodfrey89]

Hi EM2.

Thanks for your reply. Sounds like an interesting role.

Would you happen to know anything about how the salary works? Online it just says circa £26k plus regional allowance. The job's doing nights so is there a shift allowance as well, or is this included in the 26k. Also it says the maximum salary is £32085. Will pay increase in increments until this is reached, or does this mean pay is at the discretion of the station/hiring manager and this is the maximum he/she is allowed to offer? Oh and am I correct in thinking the London allowance is £2400. I presume I will get the inner London one due to the location of the role.

Thanks again.

 

[EM2]

The salary will include a premium for working nights, although depending on the local arrangements, there may be an additional premium paid for working Sundays (sometimes all Sundays, but usually a certain number are included in the salary). You are likely to start somewhere around £26k.
Increments will be based firstly on rates negotiated with the trade unions and further to that on your appraisal which is based on your performance through the year. £32085 is the ceiling for band 6, and once you reach this, any increases are paid ex-gratia, until the banding ranges are adjusted.
Inner London allowance is indeed £2400, and is in addition to the basic salary. Any overtime or Bank Holiday working (even if rostered) is also paid at a premium.

 

[fergie_time]

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