Volunteer Driver

Role Title NCT Volunteer Driver – driving people to venues and appointments in the community

Brief Description Newcastle Community Transport cio (NCT) provides safe, wheelchair-accessible minibus and WAV (car) transport for people in Newcastle under lyme and surrounding areas within Staffordshire for people who have mobility problems.

We do this using specially adapted 10-seater minibuses each with a tail lift. Also Wheelchair Adapted Vehicles (cars) After suitable training the volunteer driver will be required to transport individual passengers or groups to and from their destinations. This may sometimes involve operating the tail lift to allow access for wheelchairs or people who cannot use the steps.

Where based Our Registered Office address is ST5 7TP and our vehicles parked in the ST4 area. Drivers are required to collect our vehicles from a location in Trent Vale where we are kindly given safe parking for your vehicle.

Time commitment We would like you to commit to a few hours, half or one day per week. We also welcome people who would like to help but cannot commit to a regular time and day.

Skills and Licences needed

Volunteer drivers should be 21 + there is currently no upper age limit for our drivers. Although you do need to have no DVLA notifiable health issues (for our insurance). You need a full UK driving licence for over two years with no convictions/ endorsements.

You must have the ability to empathise, communicate well, engage with our customers in a friendly way, along with patience and caring, these are essential skills. Reliability, good time keeping and accurate documentation are also required.

Training and Equipment

You will receive full training with equipment and be provided with PPE. In addition, you will get a full induction, be able to attend our meetings and share your views, various training sessions to attend throughout the year including safeguarding. All drivers will be required to have an Enhanced DBS (Cost covered by NCT) and Driving licence checks annually, personally ensuring you have the legal eye requirements set by the DVLA. (proof of eye tests where needed)

What you will gain Good experience in working with a local charity. Pride in helping less mobile people to stay connected within their community. Training in the use of special equipment such as tail lift. For those looking to return to work a chance to upgrade their CV. After a set period of time volunteering the opportunity to be considered for MIDAS training which is a National Accredited Driver Qualification.