OUR MISSION
Changes UK is a charity that supports individuals to achieve sustainable recovery from
drug and alcohol dependency.
JOB PURPOSE:
To provide transport for service users to and from activities, meetings and events
organised by Changes UK.
Volunteer Drivers will be providing the service as part of a team and according to a coordinated rota. The need to be punctual, reliable, able to co-operate with others and to
fulfil their commitments according to our guidelines and training is essential.
REPORTS TO:
The Volunteer Manager and Support Worker
HOURS:
Monday – Sunday – evenings and weekends
ROLE DESCRIPTION
 Keep a record of mileage incurred.
 Make sure that all passengers wear seatbelts (in both front & rear seats).
 Inform Changes UK as soon as possible if you have an accident, or if someone
becomes ill/is injured in the vehicle.
 If you breakdown call Changes UK who will suggest alternative arrangements.
 Obtain information from the Support Worker regarding the names, address and
any accompanying passengers.
 Transporting the service users to the required destination at the agreed time.
 Warmly greeting the passengers and make them feel welcome and comfortable.
 Before driving off, ensure that the passengers are comfortable and secure in the
vehicle.
 To report any matter of concern to the Volunteer Manager or Support Worker.
 To maintain confidentiality regarding information relating to service users and
staff.
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THE VOLUNTEER DRIVER MUST:
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Inform Changes UK of any new driving convictions.
Not drive if you are unfit to drive due to a medical condition
Not drive when you’re too tired to do so safely
Not drive when affected by drugs or medicines
Not drive when affected by illness
Not smoke whilst transporting members
Not use your mobile phone whilst driving
Not exceed number of passengers as per the capacity stated for the vehicle.
Not drive in adverse weather conditions e.g. heavy snow or ice.
HELPFUL GUIDELINES
 All drivers must have an up-to-date driving licences and a copy given to the
Volunteer Manager and will be checked annually.
 Volunteer drivers must wear their photo identity badge during all assignments.
 All information relating to service users must be treated in the strictest
confidence. Any matter of concern should be discussed only with staff.
 Ensure that the driver has a map and/or clear directions leaving sufficient time to
get to the required destination at the required time.
 Drivers will be issued with a “survival kit” which should be kept in the vehicle in
case of emergencies: sick bags/bowl, disposable gloves, tissues, road/street maps.
 Volunteer Drivers should park the vehicle close to the kerb and ensuring that the
Highway Code is adhered to at all times.
 In the event of the vehicle breaking down contact the Changes UK immediately
to arrange a back-up in order to complete the journey.
 In the event of an emergency on route, please stop the vehicle, phone 999 and
the Changes UK. You will then be given guidance on what to do next.
 Read the Changes UK Volunteer Drivers’ Handbook (available from the
Volunteer Manager).
 Make positive relationships with service users by listening to, befriending,
enabling, empowering and supporting them.
 Ensuring that appropriate levels of confidentiality and safety are maintained in all
areas of work at all times.
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WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
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Good timekeeping skills
A good understanding of safety issues
Good listening skills.
Understanding of and empathy with the needs of people in recovery.
Helpful and caring manner with a friendly disposition.
Good conversation skills and ability to know when it is appropriate/not
appropriate to talk.
Commitment and flexibility in being available at mutually agreed times.
Effective communication skills.
Hold a current driving licence.
To cope with distressing situations.
To be dependable, reliable and trustworthy.
Professional attitude and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Access to telephone.
Able to use and follow a schedule.
Ability to keep accurate mileage records in accordance with given procedures.
EXPENSES:
Volunteers are reimbursed for reasonable ‘out of pocket’ expenses such as travel.
Expenses will be paid for overnight support for the service users at £25 per night during
Friday – Sunday and £75 paid for three nights Friday – Sunday.
RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE
Volunteers will need to complete a Volunteer Application Form, then invited for an
informal meeting with the Volunteer Manager and attend our Volunteer Welcome Event
before commencing volunteering.
Once the Volunteer Development Team has completed their procedures, an interview
will be arranged with the Manager to discuss the role, Induction programme and days
and times for volunteering. We will be as flexible as possible to incorporate the
volunteer’s interests and goals within the role.
DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICES CHECK
Under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all convictions, spent or
not, must be declared. Any criminal record disclosed to us will be considered on its
merits and disclosure does not necessarily exclude someone from volunteering.
Volunteers will need to complete a DBS application if it is relevant to their role.
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TRAINING
Volunteers will be expected to attend our Volunteer Induction Training programme.
Once in the role volunteers will have an induction with their Supervisor. The volunteer
induction is expected to last for 12 weeks and will include a 3 month settling period into
the role.
Volunteers will also be given the opportunity to take qualifications relevant to the role.
SUPPORT FOR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers will have support and review meetings every 8 weeks with the Support
Worker and three monthly meetings with the Volunteer Manager.
Volunteers will be expected to attend Volunteer Network meetings, workshops and
event organised by the Volunteer Development Team.
November 2015
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