The Northampton Volunteer Car Scheme relies on a team of volunteer drivers to transport scheme members to get to their medical and well-being appointments.

 

THE ROLE

• To collect passengers from home and drive them to/from their appointments.
• To offer minimal support to passengers getting into and out of the car.
• To ensure any walking aids, wheelchairs, etc are safely stowed.
• To wait for passengers attending appointments or, depending on the length of appointment, to leave them and return later to take them home.
• To collect mileage charges from passengers and account for all monies received.

Required Skills

• An understanding of the needs of passengers of differing ages, abilities and backgrounds.
• An understanding of confidentiality and sensitivity to the needs and wishes of your passengers and colleagues.
• Good communication skills with a wide variety of people.
• The ability to be self-motivated and confident to work on your own, using your own initiative. With background support from Car Scheme Coordinators.
• Be able to work as part of a team.

COMMITMENT BY YOU

• Be able to offer at least half a day per week or regular voluntary commitment.
• To contact the Car Scheme Coordinator on 01604 601406 or email carscheme@voluntaryimpact.org.uk should you not be able to make your volunteering session.
• To adhere to current NVCS and VIN policies and procedures.
• To inform the NVCS of any changes to health or any occurrences that affect your ability to drive such as insurance cover or a driving licence expiry.
• To ensure your vehicle has a valid tax, MOT, and insurance as well as being roadworthy, clean and tidy.
• To report any incidents or accidents affecting passenger or volunteer safety whilst on duty to the Car Scheme Coordinators or Community Transport Manager.

REFERENCES

• Two references are required: personal and GP reference.
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check

WE WILL PROVIDE

• Induction Procedure
• Driver Manual
• Additional training relevant to the role
• Regular updates
• Bi-Annual driver Meetings
• Opportunity to offer feedback and input
• Dedicated Driver telephone line and mobile number for staff support
• Open door policy to the NVCS team
• Reference for future employment/volunteering

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

• Drivers will be expected to attend a Safeguarding Training course and may be offered the opportunity to attend other courses as identified by, and agreed with, the Car Scheme Coordinators and Community Transport Manager.
• A uniform consisting of a polo shirt and fleece jacket are offered to all drivers, as well as appropriate identification badges.
• MiDAS Car and MPV training provided to all volunteer drivers.

EXPENSES

• Travel expenses will be paid on a set mileage basis for all journeys undertaken, mostly paid by NVCS members.
• The NVCS will repay any other genuine expenses (e.g. parking fees for driver meetings etc.) on production of receipts.
• We ensure that drivers are never out of pocket for carrying out their voluntary work.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire is committed to equality of opportunity in every aspect of its work.  The data collected from volunteers helps the organisation to monitor the success of its equal opportunities policy.

The roles description in no way implies or states that a contract of employment is or will be offered.  This is a voluntary, unpaid role.

USEFUL DOCUMENTS AND APPLICATION FORMS

If you have any general questions about the scheme please contact us by email to carscheme@voluntaryimpact.org.uk or call 01604 601406.