CHARITY PATRON CHAPERONE/DRIVER VOLUNTEER

We are looking for a Chaperone Driver to transport and accompany our charity's patron and guide dog to and from events.

Using your own car, you will be coordinating travel arrangements for the charity’s patron with Head of Fundraising prior to our community and fundraising events.

Our events are primarily located in the Southeast of Essex (approximately 15 events per year)

You will engage directly with our charity’s patron to confirm pick up time, duration and location of event and return time for each event.

You will be expected to assist our patron in and out of the vehicle, enabling her guide dog to accompany her in the vehicle.

You will then chaperone our patron throughout the duration of the event and be a friendly support during the time you are with her.

You will need to report any concerns or changes in planning prior to or on the day of the event to Head of Fundraising / a Fundraising Officer. 

The Volunteer will be required to:

·       Register with your insurance that you will be using your car for volunteering. This is usually at no extra cost but insurers need to be notified.

·       Undergo the volunteer recruitment process including an informal interview, two references a DBS check and volunteer agreement.

·       Undergo the Volunteer Induction and Mandatory Training Session including online learning at home.

·       Undergo a role specific local induction on the first day of volunteering with their team and staff in charge.

·       To complete any relevant training for the role as identified by the Volunteer Coordinator and Team Manager

·       Update training annually 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE: 

·       Responsible for transporting the charity’s patron to and from events using your own car (collection/return to Westcliff on Sea address)

·       Ensure the care and wellbeing of the charity’s patron when travelling to and from events, as well as throughout the duration of the event

·       To be aware of the needs and movements of the charity’s patron

·       To report any concerns with Head of Fundraising and/or a fundraising officer

·       Taking part in appropriate training and development activities

·       Participate in team meetings as and when.

·       Notify staff if you are unable to attend your regular session

·       Ensure Health and Safety regulations are adhered to in line with Trust Links Health and Safety policy

·       Ensure Safeguarding requirements are met in line with Trust Links Safeguarding policy and escalate concerns about the wellbeing of service users to appropriate staff members

·       Maintain confidentiality

·       Raise any issues affecting members with appropriate staff member

·       Feedback to staff relevant information relating to members’ progress and independence

What skills do I need?

·     Empathy and listening skills

·     Love of animals, especially guide dogs and happy to have a dog in your car

·     Patience

·     Commitment to the role

·     Physically able to support another person

·     Excellent communication and people skills

·     Commitment to self-development

·     Willingness and commitment to undertake further training and development

·     Tact

·     Responsiveness

·     Realism

·     Honesty

·     Enthusiasm

·     Team Work