At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive animals and supplies between centres, ensuring their safe transport.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a charity dedicated to helping sick and homeless pets since 1897.
- Benefits: Flexible volunteering, skill development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and directly assist pets in need.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK driving licence, customer service skills, and experience with pets.
- Other info: Commit a few hours weekly; must be 18 or over.
Do you have experience of handling dogs, cats and small pets? Do you love being on the road? Are you interested in playing a key role in helping pets in need? With your driving, customer service and team working skills, you could become part of the transport team transferring animals and supplies between our animal hospitals and rehoming centres, and foster carers.
Why We Want You
Sick, injured and homeless pets have relied on Blue Cross for help since 1897. Each year, thousands of dogs, cats, small pets and horses turn to the charity's animal hospitals, clinics and rehoming services for treatment and support. Our team of volunteer drivers help ensure the smooth running of our services. Your driving skills will help pets find new homes more quickly, or ensure they receive the care and equipment they need promptly. We would love you to join us and help us help more pets in need.
What You Will Be Doing
- Driving a Blue Cross van or your own car
- Transporting animals and supplies between centres and hospitals, foster homes and the vets
- Moving animals in and out of the vehicle
- Completing necessary transfer paperwork
- Supporting team with transfer protocols e.g. transfer tags
The Skills You Need
- Full UK driving licence and comprehensive driving insurance
- Excellent customer service skills
- Good team working skills
- Experience of handling dogs, cats and small pets
- Organisational skills and good attention to detail
- Regular commitment and reliability
- A confidential approach
- Access to use of computer equipment
- Computer literacy and experience using web-based services and Microsoft Office e.g. Outlook and Word
- Experience of using/Willingness to learn how to use video technology e.g. Microsoft Teams
- Experience of using/Willingness to learn how to use databases
What's In It For You
- You'll be joining a team of people passionate about animal welfare
- You'll join a team of great likeminded people
- You'll have direct involvement with assisting pets that come into our care
- A flexible volunteer role
- You'll have the opportunity to develop skills in multiple areas, or become a specialist in specific areas
We ask that you can commit to a few hours a week and have access to a laptop/desktop/tablet and a good internet connection. Any vehicle used for the transport of animals must be up to date with MOT, vehicle maintenance and insurance. You need to be 18 or over for this role. Blue Cross holds inclusion as a core organisational value. We positively encourage applications from eligible volunteers regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. We actively embrace our differences and know that it is our differences that make us unique. You are very welcome at Blue Cross, without the need to hide any part of who you are.
Volunteer Driver (Volunteer Driver) employer: The Blue Cross
Contact Detail:
The Blue Cross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Driver (Volunteer Driver)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local animal welfare community. Attend events or volunteer at local shelters to network with people who might already be involved with Blue Cross or similar organisations. This can give you insights into the role and help you make valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. Since you'll be interacting with various stakeholders, including foster carers and veterinary staff, practice clear communication and a friendly approach. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can represent Blue Cross positively.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain experience in handling different types of animals if you haven't already. Volunteering at animal shelters or fostering pets can provide you with the necessary skills and confidence to handle dogs, cats, and small pets effectively during transport.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your commitment to animal welfare by engaging in relevant online communities or forums. Share your experiences and learn from others. This demonstrates your passion for the cause and can make a positive impression on the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Driver (Volunteer Driver)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any experience you have with handling dogs, cats, and small pets. Mention specific instances where you've demonstrated your skills in animal care or transport.
Showcase Your Driving Skills: Clearly state that you possess a full UK driving licence and comprehensive insurance. Include any relevant driving experience, especially if it involves transporting animals or supplies.
Demonstrate Teamwork and Customer Service: Provide examples of how you've worked effectively in a team and delivered excellent customer service. This could be from previous volunteer roles or jobs where collaboration was key.
Express Your Commitment: Mention your availability and willingness to commit to a few hours a week. Highlight your reliability and organisational skills, as these are crucial for the role of a Volunteer Driver.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Blue Cross
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have with pets, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the mission of the organisation.
✨Highlight Your Driving Experience
Discuss your driving history and any relevant experience you have with transporting animals. Be prepared to talk about how you ensure their safety and comfort while on the road.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and support your teammates.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face as a volunteer driver, such as handling an anxious animal or dealing with unexpected delays. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these situations calmly and effectively.