Blackburn with Darwen - Neighbourhoods and Learning

Community Volunteer Drivers

Service / Role Overview:

Volunteer Drivers can be a vital ‘helping hand’ for many people who would otherwise struggle to get out and about - we are aiming to have a number of drivers spread throughout Blackburn with Darwen. Our Volunteer Driver Service is specifically designed for and available to those who cannot access public transport – our volunteer drivers are not a taxi service.  We compliment other services such as NW Patient Transport Service, local community transport schemes such as Dial a Ride service.  Note: People who abuse our Service and the good will of our volunteers will be excluded.

Our Volunteer Drivers use their own cars to provide a door-to-door service for people with a wide variety of transport needs.  For example:-

• Attending health, dental or related appointments (especially where the extra ‘moral’ support and ‘listening ear’ of our volunteer can be important).
• Other day-to-day activities – shopping, going to the hairdressers, visiting the bank / post office or something social such as going along to a community activity or support group or visiting family / friends.
• Passengers can travel within a 20 mile radius of their home address. 
• We review all insurance and MOT documents of our volunteer drivers.
• Volunteers are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses – our mileage allowance is in line with HMRC recommended amounts.

 The role requires an enhanced DBS disclosure and 2 satisfactory character references.

 TASKS:

• On receipt of activity from the Volunteer Co-ordinator, the volunteer will contact client to introduce them self and make all the necessary arrangements i.e. pick up / return times; confirmation of address / access etc.
• Report outcome of activity to Volunteer Co-ordinator (in line with local Service Policy). 
• It is important for the volunteer to advise the Volunteer Co-ordinator if they feel a client is not eligible for the Service or if a client’s health or mobility is a concern.
• Claim out-of-pocket expenses in line with Service Volunteer Expenses Policy
• The time commitment of our Volunteer Drivers is flexible, depending on what suits our volunteers and the people we help.
• The amount of work varies from day to day and week to week because of individual demand and availability of drivers.  It is not possible to guarantee a certain number of trips each week.
• Log volunteering hours (in line with local Service Policy - on-line system available).
• Notify Volunteer Co-ordinator of any times unavailable, e.g. holiday, personal commitment.
• It is essential that all volunteer drivers insure their car insurance covers them for volunteer driving.

REQUIRED QUALITIES: 

• Volunteer must be over 25 years of age.
• Have at least 2 years qualified driving experience.
• Volunteer Driver should have a clean driving licence (no convictions).
• Have their own car that is roadworthy, comprehensively insured (current insurance documents and MOT certificate, where applicable, to be produced).
• Have good listening and communication skills.
• Be caring, empathic, sensitive, patience and tactful.
• Reliable, honest and punctual.
• Non-judgemental.
• Understanding of confidentiality.
• Be comfortable working alone and workings as part of a volunteer team.
• Have a willingness to learn and take part in any training or meetings when required.
• Be flexible.
• Be able to positively promote the role & service.

• Knowledge of the local community would be an advantage.

  TRAINING:

• Induction training
• Ongoing supervision with Volunteer Co-ordinator key contact (frequency to be agreed, depending on type and hours of volunteer activity / volunteer experience, skills and background.
• Ongoing training based on needs identified through supervision; peer volunteer meetings.

Age: 25 years old or over

SCHEDULE:

• The time commitment of our Volunteer Drivers is flexible, depending on what suits our volunteers and the people we help.

• The amount of work varies from day to day and week to week because of individual demand and availability of drivers.  It is not possible to guarantee a certain number of trips each week.

   

LOCATION:

Blackburn with Darwen