At a Glance
- Tasks: Transport vulnerable adults safely to support services using council minibuses.
- Company: Join Wigan Council, awarded 'Overall Council of the Year' for excellence in public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working patterns and a range of employee rewards and benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Must be reliable, empathetic, and able to adapt to varying transport routes.
- Other info: This role requires Enhanced Disclosure Procedures and checks for safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 24790 - 25992 £ per year.
Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance
Makerfield Depot
Makerfield Way
Ince-in-Makerfield
Wigan
WN2 2SY
Salary: Grade 4, £16,754 – £17,286 per annum £12.85 – £13.47 per hour
25 hours per week
We\’re on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough.
We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!
The role:
Do you have a passion for working with adults who require transport to support their daily lives? If so, this may be the job for you! Adult Relief Drivers operate a daily split shift and are allocated varying routes, to cover periods of leave or absenteeism, using the councils in-house 16-seat minibuses to ensure all service users can access transport when programmed. Alongside a Passenger Assistant you will collect vulnerable adults from their homes, secure them safely on the bus and transport them to and from day support centres and community interest companies. You are responsible for the safety, wellbeing, and comfort of each service user during transit. Some service users have special educational needs, learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s or dementia You are a key component in ensuring each vulnerable adult gets to access the essential and positive life enhancing services that they need.
About you:
Are you reliable, motivated, and dedicated to providing the best possible transport service? Adult Relief Drivers must be flexible, dynamic and able to complete any bus route at short notice to support wider service delivery. The people you transport completely depend on you to access essential support services which massively improves quality of life and provides much needed respite for family members and carers. You will have an understanding nature and bags of empathy when interacting with our vulnerable service users. You must have a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and proactive outlook to maximise the bus fleet and get everyone accessing the transport service to their destination every single day. You will be an integral part of a highly significant service which exists to help others in need.
About us:
Wigan Council has been voted ‘Overall Council of the Year’ at the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Awards. We are signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment ensuring that your service will be continuous or \’unbroken\’ between the supporting organisations.
The Progress with Unity plan is a place movement for change for the next decade, bringing a new era for Wigan Borough. It draws on the strengths of our individual organisations, recognising that together we can achieve much more for our communities by delivering on our 2 place missions; create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses and make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them.
Adult social care transport is part of the Local Kitchen, Transport & Road Safety (LTRS) service. Adult Relief Drivers are supported by multiple teams, these include
Integrated Transport Unit (ITU).
Business Support Team.
Operations Team
ITU liaise with adult social care and review new service user referrals. They plan and develop all transport routes and ensure critical information is communicated effectively. The Business Support team are the central hub and manage day-to-day staff allocation. The Operational team are here for your wellbeing! They organise training, aspects of H&S, deliver staff engagement sessions, support attendance, listen to your needs and provide advice and guidance where needed if we don’t know we’ll find out. LTRS is dedicated to innovation and continues to advance the service through trust and technology. No matter what the working day brings we’ve got you covered.
Here at Wigan, we are proud to support flexible working patterns, when the service can accommodate this. We also take a blended approach to where we work, depending on the work we do. This may include working from home, the office, or the community. We like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits click here to find out more about working for #TeamWigan.
To be appointed to this role you must be able to prove your right to work in the UK. Please visit the link below to check you qualify to apply. Please note, at present we are not a licenced sponsor. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview – GOV.UK (
Prove your right to work to an employer
For further information, please contact either Anouska Wash – or Maria Hawkins – for further information.
Interview date: To Be Confirmed
This position is subject to Enhanced Disclosure Procedures plus Child and Adult barred list check
The employer is committed to safeguarding
To view the details relating to this position, please click the links below:
Relief Driver employer: Wigan Council
Contact Detail:
Wigan Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the routes and areas you might be driving in. Understanding the local geography will not only help you navigate efficiently but also show your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your empathy and understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown compassion or support, as this will resonate well with the values of the council.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and adaptability. Since the role requires covering varying routes at short notice, having specific examples ready can highlight your readiness for the dynamic nature of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Wigan Council's initiatives and values, especially around community support and inclusivity. Showing that you align with their mission can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Relief Driver position. Highlight your relevant experience in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Emphasise any previous work with vulnerable adults or in transport services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping others and your understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults. Mention your flexibility and reliability, which are key traits for this role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wigan Council
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Relief Driver, you'll be working with vulnerable adults. Make sure to express your understanding nature and empathy during the interview. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in need or handled sensitive situations.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The role requires you to be flexible and dynamic. Be prepared to discuss your ability to adapt to changing routes and schedules. Highlight any previous experiences where you had to think on your feet or adjust quickly to new circumstances.
✨Highlight Your Reliability
Reliability is key in this position. Use the interview to showcase your strong work ethic and dedication to providing excellent service. Mention any past roles where punctuality and dependability were crucial.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Make sure you convey your passion for helping others. Discuss how you understand the importance of the transport service in improving the quality of life for service users. This will show that you are not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in making a difference.