Posted by Southeastern Railway is one of Britain’s busiest train operators, serving London, Kent, and parts of East Sussex with more than 1,700 train services every day. The company plays a vital role in keeping millions of passengers moving safely while maintaining one of the UK’s most important rail networks. As part of its commitment to passenger safety and operational excellence, Southeastern is now recruiting Railway Enforcement Officers across multiple depots in Kent, offering a rewarding career with paid training, a nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification, competitive salaries, and outstanding employee benefits.
If you’re looking for Railway Enforcement Officer jobs in the UK, UK railway careers, security jobs, or apprenticeship opportunities with excellent career progression, this could be the ideal opportunity.
About Southeastern Railway
Southeastern Railway operates one of the UK’s busiest rail networks, connecting London with Kent and East Sussex through approximately 180 stations. Every day, more than 400,000 passengers rely on Southeastern’s services, making passenger safety, customer service, and operational efficiency central to its mission.
The company is committed to building an inclusive workforce while investing heavily in employee training, career development, and workplace wellbeing.
Job Overview
- Employer: Southeastern Railway
- Position: Railway Enforcement Officer
- Employment Type: Apprenticeship
- Salary: £33,823 – £41,583 per year
- Locations:
- Chatham
- Dover
- Dartford
- Orpington
- Sittingbourne
- Tonbridge
- Working Pattern: Shift work including weekends, nights, and public holidays
Salary and Benefits
Successful candidates will enjoy an attractive employment package that includes:
- Annual salary ranging from £33,823 to £41,583
- Final salary pension scheme
- 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Free rail travel across Southeastern networks
- Nationally recognised Passenger Services Apprenticeship qualification
- Comprehensive paid training
- Long-term career progression opportunities
Key Responsibilities
As a Railway Enforcement Officer, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring passenger safety and maintaining order across Southeastern’s rail network.
Your duties will include:
- Patrolling trains and railway stations
- Preventing fare evasion
- Responding to anti-social behaviour and criminal activity
- Supporting vulnerable passengers
- Collecting evidence and preparing incident reports
- Working alongside station staff and the British Transport Police
- De-escalating confrontational situations professionally
- Maintaining a visible security presence across the railway
Training and Career Development
One of the biggest advantages of this opportunity is that previous railway experience is not required.
Successful applicants will complete the Passenger Services Apprenticeship Programme, which combines classroom learning with practical on-the-job training covering:
- Passenger safety
- Conflict management
- Customer service
- Railway procedures
- Functional skills
- Safe physical intervention techniques
Graduates receive a nationally recognised qualification while building valuable operational experience.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience working with customers
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Strong decision-making skills
- Confidence handling challenging situations
- Professional attitude
- Ability to work independently and within a team
Applicants must also:
- Live within 45 minutes of their chosen depot
- Have lived in the UK for at least three years
- Successfully complete Level 2 Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV)
- Have the legal right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
Working Hours
Railway Enforcement Officers work rotating shifts that include:
- Early mornings
- Evenings
- Weekends
- Public holidays
- Night shifts
Shift patterns typically rotate between early and late shifts, ensuring 24-hour coverage across the railway network.
Why Join Southeastern Railway?
This role offers much more than a competitive salary. Employees become part of a respected railway organisation dedicated to protecting passengers while supporting career development.
Benefits include:
- Paid apprenticeship training
- Excellent pension scheme
- Free rail travel
- Strong career progression
- Stable long-term employment
- Meaningful public service role
- Inclusive and supportive workplace culture
How to Apply
Interested candidates should Apply Here.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as vacancies may close once sufficient applications have been received.
The recruitment process includes:
- Online application
- Interview
- Background checks
- Right-to-work verification
- Basic criminal record check
- Medical assessment
- Level 2 Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV)
If you’re looking for a rewarding public-facing career where you can make a genuine difference every day, the Railway Enforcement Officer apprenticeship with Southeastern Railway is an outstanding opportunity. With paid training, excellent benefits, career progression, and the chance to help keep Britain’s railways safe, this role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with people and thrive in dynamic environments.