Rail Community Officer (RCO) SWR

[andy50027]

Hi guys.

So reaching the end of my 6 months probation as SWR gateline at Guildford, although I’m really enjoying the role I’m struggling with the basic wages. I knew it would be tough but was always told this would be a good stepping stone if I kept my nose clean.

My thoughts have turned my next role.

I’m really taken with the RCO (rail commuter officer). I’ve had a long chat with one based at Guildford and it’s a job I’m interested in.



Does anyone have any experience with the job?

Thoughts good or bad?

Any advice much appreciated.

 

[Bedwyn32]

When I was gateline at SWR I did ask about shadowing shift with the RCO'S near to me and they were happy to do that but sadly covid came along. As you get along with one of them at Guildford when you both have time for a chat ask them as that would be a good starting point and word will probably get back to the hiring manager that you ask lots of questions and that's a good thing. Good luck.

 

[Vespa]

What exactly is a Rail Community Officer ?

First I've heard of this role.

 

[andy50027]

When I was gateline at SWR I did ask about shadowing shift with the RCO'S near to me and they were happy to do that but sadly covid came along. As you get along with one of them at Guildford when you both have time for a chat ask them as that would be a good starting point and word will probably get back to the hiring manager that you ask lots of questions and that's a good thing. Good luck.

Yeah I’m going to arrange to shadow them asap.
With Christmas coming up now would be a good time to see what to expect as it’s the busiest time and longest time of the year to see what sort of problems arise.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Dec 2024 ==

What exactly is a Rail Community Officer ?

First I've heard of this role.

From what I gather it’s security based.
Working with the revenue, btp etc and a general face in a uniform round the larger stations.
I’d imagine if there’s say some left luggage at an unmanned station they’d be called to assist.
Helping out with crowd control at events like Wimbledon for the tennis.
Working with the MOM at trespass events.

Late turn is a last train finish so getting people off stations asap so they can close.
Making sure there’s no one trying to sleep on stations etc.

All the security based training is done in house apparently.

I did screen shot the job advert from another station a while ago. I’ll see if I’ve still got it.

 

[Bedwyn32]

What exactly is a Rail Community Officer ?

First I've heard of this role.

It's basically SWR version of Southern's Rail Safe Officer's and to a lesser extent a PCSO.

 

[andy50027]

It's basically SWR version of Southern's Rail Safe Officer's and to a lesser extent a PCSO.

Could well be then.

What do they do as a job do you know?

I’m meeting with one of our guys tomorrow for a few hours after my early turn and I’ll have a proper chat then and also see when i can shadow him properly.

 

[andy50027]

It's basically SWR version of Southern's Rail Safe Officer's and to a lesser extent a PCSO.

Apparently the previous name for this job was Rail Safe Officers so I guess it was a nation wide job that’s now been re named for each company.

 

[Jack in England]

Apparently the previous name for this job was Rail Safe Officers so I guess it was a nation wide job that’s now been re named for each company.

Which makes me think as more companies go back to the government (SWR being the first since announcement) jobs like RCO's will disappear as they were only created as part of the franchise, the money that was spent on that role could go the BTP as RCO's are pointless and are on very good money for what they actually do which 90% of the time they just stand behind the BTP when they are dealing with major events,Football matches,disorder...etc