Role and Responsibilities of Volunteering as a Driver

Volunteer role:Driver to provide a morning & early afternoon transport service from Epilepsy Society to local communities such as Gerrards Cross & Amersham

Responsible to:Martina Pettitt – Volunteer coordinator

Mentor:Martina Pettitt

Purpose of role:To assist residents to access the community for social & recreational activity

Hours:Ideally 9.00-15.00

Base:Epilepsy Society, supporting 7 residential houses on a rotational basis.

Key tasks:

  • To support residents & their escorts to access social & community activities in appropriate transport
  • To complete vehicle checks and paperwork as per Epilepsy Society Procedure.
  • To ensure security of vehicle, keys, Blue Badge during and on return from journey
  • To assist residents in and out of the vehicle
  • To ensure residents are safe within the vehicle and all appropriate safety belts are used.

(staff will assist)

Skills required:

  • Ability to drive
  • Patience and empathy
  • To be supportive with people who have a range of mobility differences
  • Communication skills - ability to be flexible in their communication.
  • Ability to be enthusiastic and fun loving and enjoy supporting others.

Responsibilities:

  • To participate in Epilepsy Society training as required for the role.
  • To operate according to the Epilepsy Society policy and procedures.
  • Inform volunteer coordinator of any change in circumstances which may affect your ability/eligibility to drive an Epilepsy society vehicle.
  • To submit Driving License for 6 monthly checks which is in line with Epilepsy Society policy
  • To record hours of activity for data collection purposes.

Additional information:

  • The Epilepsy Society will provide appropriate training and information necessary to fulfil role of volunteer driver including; Driver Assessment
  • Driver must be age 21 for use of Epilepsy Society Car/MPV or age 25 with a full UK driving license with D1 approval for use of Epilepsy Society minibuses.
  • Routine
  • Any expenses must be negotiated prior to starting role.
  • The volunteer coordinator will provide support to enable the volunteer to fulfil their role
  • All Epilepsy Society staff and volunteers are subject to clearance by the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS enhanced disclosure).

VOLUNTEER DRIVER, CRITERIA.

Applicant should meet the following criteria / essential / desirable
Age / 21 / 25+
Current valid driving license
Able to commit to regular activity
Category D1 on licence
Physically able to assist clients in and out of vehicle
Able to undertake vehicle checks & complete required paperwork
  • Visual & actual vehicle checks inc, oil, tyres, lights etc
  • Good record keeping skills

MIDAS driver training for Minibuses or evidence of a recent Driver Assessment
No endorsements
Pass Plus or Advanced driving Certificates
Willing to undertake:
  • Safe Journey & Safe Passenger Training
  • Driver assessment
  • Epilepsy Awareness
  • Safeguarding
  • and completion of an training assessment pack
and any other training applicable to the role/dept.
Provide dates of most recent eye examination
  • Within last 3 yrs if do not wear glasses.
  • Annually if you wear glasses.