Minibus Driver

Minibus Driver - Teeside and District Society for the Blind

About the Role

Our Volunteer Minibus Drivers play a vital role in helping blind and visually impaired people remain active, independent, and connected to their community. By providing safe and reliable transport to and from our centre, activities, outings, and appointments, you will help reduce social isolation and enable individuals to access services that enhance their wellbeing and quality of life.

This rewarding role offers the opportunity to meet new people, make a meaningful difference in your local community, and support individuals in maintaining their independence.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely drive the organisation's minibus to transport service users to and from the centre, activities, social events, and organised trips.
• Conduct basic vehicle safety checks before and after each journey.
• Ensure all passengers are seated safely and wearing seatbelts where appropriate.
• Assist passengers when boarding and leaving the vehicle, where required.
• Provide a friendly, welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all passengers.
• Follow planned routes and schedules while remaining flexible to service needs.
• Complete any required mileage logs, vehicle check forms, or incident reports.
• Report any vehicle defects, accidents, incidents, or concerns immediately.
• Comply with all road traffic regulations and organisational policies.
• Support the organisation's commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds who are:

• Friendly, patient, and reliable.
• Comfortable interacting with a variety of people.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Committed to providing a positive experience for service users.
• Punctual and dependable.
• Understanding of the needs of older people and those living with sight loss (training can be provided).

Essential Requirements

• Full UK driving licence with D1 entitlement.
• Confident and competent driving larger vehicles.
• Good driving record.
• Ability to complete basic vehicle safety checks.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training.
• Enhanced DBS check (provided by the organisation).

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Previous experience driving a minibus or community transport vehicle.
• Experience volunteering or working with older adults, disabled people, or vulnerable individuals.
• Basic first aid knowledge.
• Knowledge of the local area.

Training and Support

We are committed to supporting our volunteers and will provide:

• Full induction and role-specific training.
• Safeguarding training.
• Ongoing support from staff and fellow volunteers.
• Reimbursement of approved expenses where applicable.
• Opportunities to attend volunteer events and recognition activities.

Benefits of Volunteering

By becoming a Volunteer Minibus Driver, you will:

• Make a real difference to the lives of blind and visually impaired people.
• Help reduce loneliness and isolation within the community.
• Meet new people and become part of a friendly team.
• Develop valuable skills and experience.
• Gain satisfaction from supporting an important local charity and its service users.

Commitment

We ask volunteers to contribute whatever time they can offer. Whether you are available weekly, fortnightly, or occasionally, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Every journey you make helps someone maintain their independence and stay connected to their community.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.