Drivers are asked to transport members to and from various activities held at LDVG and on outings and group activities to various events and destinations. The driver will drive the group’s wheelchair accessible minibus and work with an appointed escort (if required). We also transport for care homes, school activities, for individual members of the public and for external hires from other community groups in the area. Passengers may be frail; elderly; children or other vulnerable people. Volunteers need to be between 25-70 years old with a clean; current driving licence. We now have 4 minibuses for hire or self-hire, 2 of our new buses can be driven on a standard car licence.

Our drivers are expected to complete the daily bus checklist form. Ensure bus has enough fuel for journey/phone is charged and has credit. Drivers to complete general inspection of vehicle, reporting any faults or damage to management as soon as possible. Take part in the morning team meeting. Drivers are responsible for securing walking aids and ensuring all seat belts are fastened, doors are closed and portable step is on board (where applicable) before moving off. To take charge of safety and movement of any other volunteers and service users while travelling on bus and ensure all staff are wearing fluorescent jackets. Bus hygiene and checking safety appliances are in place and complete, while securing gates on return to the centre are all part of the day. Volunteer should read notice board for updates regarding training or fundraising activities. Drivers to assist with other tasks when necessary.

Do you want to meet new people and help them get out and about? As a minibus driver, you will gain knowledge of your local community and can volunteer in your own time. You can use your driving skills and friendly personality to help people get out and about both inside and outside their local communities. As a volunteer minibus driver, you could be taking a group of people to a club, day centre or a trip out. You will work with each groups representative to support people to board and disembark the minibus safely using the steps or the wheelchair lift. You must have a D1 on your licence and be willing to undertake MIDAS training with a local provider. The cost of this will be covered by Royal Voluntary Service.

Volunteer minibus drivers provide transport for patients, with passenger escorts, to and from the Hospice and their home, and for day trips. Ayrshire Hospice welcomes applications from all sections of the community. You do not need to have any experience to volunteer in this role but ideally you should be able to demonstrate: -A full clean driving licence and at least 5 years driving experience -An understanding and commitment to the ethos of palliative care – non-judgmental, accepting, patient, empathetic. -Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate well to patients, escorts and hospice staff -Possess a sensitive and calm approach to situations -Ability to be responsive to patient needs as they arise -Responsible and reliable -Be fit, healthy and competent to drive – reporting any health or other issues affecting driving through the course of your volunteering -Ability to keep up to date with hospice service provision developments -Willingness to uphold the values of the hospice The benefit’s you will receive include: -The opportunity to gain experience in the charity sector -Take on a new challenge and meet new people -Opportunity to make a difference to your community -Learn and develop new skills and use existing skills to help others -Training and support to carry out your role -Reimbursement of expenses in accordance with our volunteer expenses policy