Voluntary drivers - frequently asked questions

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Index of Content

• What is the role of the Voluntary Driver?
• How many miles will I be expected to travel?
• How will I be notified of new work or changes to current work?
• What training do I receive?
• How do I get paid?
• Will I be supplied with a uniform?
• General guidelines
• How do I apply to become a Voluntary Driver?

What is the role of the Voluntary Drivers?

Voluntary Drivers provide a valuable service on behalf of the Council, and can be a very rewarding position. Your principal role as a Voluntary Driver is to ensure that passengers are conveyed safely between pick-up point and destination.

We  will provide you with all the details of those travelling and you will be advised on ad hoc basis for one-off type journeys. You will be made aware of information held relating to the special needs and conditions of passengers as and when the council is notified of these. Where appropriate, further information such as travel plans will be given to you so that you are aware of the action to be taken in the event of an emergency.

In no circumstances are you expected to administer medication to a passenger, although medication may be carried on the vehicle if it is in a sealed container or bag clearly labelled with the passenger’s name. Parents carers or teachers may ask you to keep the medication safe during the journey and hand it to an adult on arrival.

How many miles will I be expected to travel

This is entirely dependant on you, it may be that you prefer to work on casual basis, such as one-off type journeys or on a more regular basis, in which case you may be offered a specific contract, such as a daily school run or transport to a day centre. The length of journeys varies greatly and they are not just confined to Wiltshire; very often transport requests are for journeys outside of the County, some of which cover considerable miles.

How will I be notified of new work or changes to current work?

You will be contacted by your preferred choice, but in order to be offered the regular opportunity of work it is useful if we can get hold of you at very short notice, and therefore landlines or mobile phones are the most effective ways of contacting drivers. However some drivers choose to be contacted via email; the choice is entirely yours.

What training will I receive?

Drivers are also required to undertake an annual driving assessment. Your vehicle will also be inspected on an annual basis by Council staff, which also ensure the relevant documentation is in place.

How do I get paid?

Drivers are expected to keep accurate records of all miles travelled and must submit a monthly claim outlining all journeys/contracts and miles accumulated. You will then be reimbursed a mileage rate which is claimable from home to home and is paid on a monthly basis.

Will I be supplied with a uniform?

You will be supplied with high visibility workwear and and an identity badge which you must wear at all times when on duty. Due to the nature of the work it is necessary to wear practical clothing such as trousers and flat shoes.

Are there any general guidelines to consider whilst on duty?

• ensure that passengers are seated;
• ensure that any equipment provided for the use of particular passengers, such as harnesses, child seats, wheelchair and passenger restraints, is used at all times in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;
• treat passengers with respect, kindness and understanding; use appropriate language; some passengers may prefer not to talk at all during the journey.
• avoid any physical contact with passengers which is not necessary for you to carry out your duties effectively; do not strike or threaten a passenger.
• remember that giving sweets or gifts to children may be misconstrued or cause health problems - for example allergies- therefore eating is not allowed on transport.
• if seat belts are fitted to the vehicle, they should be used at all times. Please encourage pupils to use them.
• smoking is not permitted on school transport, whether by drivers, Passenger Assistants or passengers.
• Any instances of misbehaviour, vandalism or failure to observe the guidelines should be reported promptly to the Passenger Transport Unit and to a senior member of staff at school or caring establishment. Never threaten to report misbehaviour and then fail to do so.

How do I apply to become a Voluntary Driver?

In the first instance email the Passenger Transport Unit or call us on 01225 713334 to arrange for an application pack to be sent to you.

A local interview usually follows, and you will be expected to undergo Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure (police checks) and complete a medical form and suitable references before being able to begin work. Your vehicle and documents will also be chencked prior to you starting work.

Last updated: 29 April 2009