Community Transport Driver (Casual Contract)

Community TransportDriver (Casual Contract)

Changing Lives Together is a community-driven organisation dedicated to supporting individuals and families through various initiatives designed to improve well-being, reduce isolation, and create pathways to a better quality of life. We are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve and are looking for a committed individual to join our team.

About the role

Purpose of the Role: To provide a safe, professional, and reliable community transport service for vulnerable adults, older people, children, young people, and community groups on set routes across Cheshire.

• To ensure all passengers receive a positive, respectful, and supportive experience on every journey.
• To uphold Changing Lives Together (CLT) mission and values while delivering a high quality service.

Key Responsibilities

A. Passenger Care & Customer Service

• Provide a welcoming, caring, and supportive service to all passengers.
• Communicate clearly regarding times of pickups, dropoffs, delays, and journey details.
• Maintain a calm, patient, and empathetic approach at all times, including with vulnerable passengers.
• Support passengers safely on and off the vehicle as required.
• Adapt communication for individuals with additional needs.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with data protection regulations and CLT policies.
• Wear approved CLT uniform
• Uphold CLT’s values, conduct, and ethos.

Driving & Safety

• Drive safely, responsibly, and legally at all times.
• Follow all UK road laws and the Highway Code.
• Complete a full Your Bus Vehicle Walkaround Check before each shift.
• Record all checks on the official CLT Vehicle Safety Check forms and submit to admin before the journey.
• Report all defects immediately and never operate an unsafe vehicle.
• Adjust driving style for weather, traffic, and passenger comfort.
• Avoid harsh braking, rapid acceleration, or aggressive manoeuvres.
• Never use a mobile phone while driving.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medication.>
• Maintain concentration and avoid distractions.
• Adhere to the designated routes and schedules at all times, and ensure that any delays, including their causes, are reported to the office without delay.
• Conduct headcounts at every stop during group or community hires.
• Ensure vehicles are kept clean, tidy, and free from hazards.
• Remove rubbish at the end of each shift.
• Ensure sufficient fuel levels for the next driver unless instructed otherwise.

Accessibility & Passenger Safety

• Ensure all passengers are seated and wearing seatbelts before moving.
• Provide safe assistance to passengers with mobility issues, disabilities, or additional support needs.
• Correctly use and secure ramps, lifts, and wheelchair restraints according to CLT procedures.
• Secure wheelchairs using approved CLT tie down systems.
• Never leave passengers unattended inside the vehicle.
• Allow extra time for boarding and disembarking.

D. Safeguarding & Professional Standards

• Follow CLT safeguarding policies at all times.
• Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
• Maintain professional boundaries with all passengers.
• Protect sensitive information and uphold confidentiality.

Operational Duties

• Follow scheduled routes or instructions from the Community Transport Operations Manager.
• Complete all required paperwork, including:
  • Mileage logs
  • Timesheets
  • Incident/near miss reports
  • Vehicle safety check forms
  • Passenger membership forms
• Handle card and cash payments securely and record transactions accurately when required.
• Report hazards, incidents, damage, breakdowns, or near misses immediately to admin or the Head of Community Transport.

Emergency Preparedness

• Know the location and correct use of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency exits.
• Follow CLT procedures during breakdowns, collisions, or medical emergencies.
• Respond calmly and appropriately during emergency situations.

Teamwork & Development

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and the wider CLT team.
• Attend required meetings, briefings, and mandatory training sessions.
• Participate in ongoing development, refresher training, and skills updates.
• Support continuous improvement of the service.

Additional Requirements

• Flexibility to meet the daily needs of the community transport service.
• Undertake additional duties consistent with the role as required.

About you

Qualifications & Training Requirements

Essential

• Valid driving licence with appropriate category D1.

Mandatory Training (initial and refresher)

• MiDAS
• Safeguarding
• First Aid
• Manual Handling
• Disability Awareness
• CLT/Your Bus operational procedures

(Training requirements may evolve based on passenger needs.)

Desirable

• Experience in a driving or transport role
• Experience working with older people, vulnerable adults, children, or young people
• Experience handling cash
• Experience in the charity or community sector

Conduct & Performance Standards

• Failure to meet CLT standards may result in:
  • Removal from driving duties
  • Mandatory retraining
  • Disciplinary action
  • Reporting to regulatory authorities

Enhanced Salary

Conditions (50p per hour)

• The enhancement may be withdrawn if:
  • A fault accident leads to financial loss or reputational damage.
  • Mandatory training is not completed or maintained.
  • Required documentation (logs, safety checks, incident reports) is not completed accurately.

Person Specification

Skills & Aptitudes

• Strong focus on health and safety
• Excellent customer service
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Good organisational skills
• Strong teamwork skills

Personal Qualities

• Empathy and compassion
• Calm under pressure
• Adaptable and flexible
• Positive attitude and willingness to help
• Commitment to CLT values

Additional

• Enhanced DBS check required