At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide safe transport for families to healthcare appointments and activities.
- Company: Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, supporting families with terminally ill children.
- Benefits: Reimbursement of travel expenses and professional training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with ongoing support and training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence, own vehicle, and a compassionate attitude.
Location: Various Locations in and around the North East Area
Closing date: 31 January 2027
Salary: We will reimburse reasonable out of pocket travel expenses
Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed.
As a Volunteer Driver, you will help to give additional support to the families we work with by providing safe, comfortable and reliable transport, enabling them to travel safely to healthcare appointments, school and to other activities.
We are looking for Volunteer Drivers in the following areas: Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees.
Your role may include:
- Providing transport for families to and from home or hospital appointments, according to their specific needs
- Providing transport to enable families to attend Rainbow Trust support groups
- Transporting siblings to and from trips or activities at school or with other providers, as and when required
What we’re looking for:
- A confident, calm and patient driver
- Experience of interacting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
- Experience of interacting with children and young people
- An ability to empathise with families in stressful circumstances
- Non-judgemental, warm, friendly and with a sense of humour
- A commitment to following our policies regarding safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality
- A full driving licence held for a minimum of 2 years, and use of your own vehicle is required for this role
- All ages from 21 onwards are welcome
Your commitment:
Most of our drivers support us flexibly on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis, depending on the needs of the family. Times can vary between 8am - 6pm, Monday – Friday, depending on appointment times, but there is flexibility depending on the needs of the family and your availability. To enable you to get the most out of your volunteer role, we are looking for volunteers who are available for the next 12 months.
Training and Support:
A dedicated member of Rainbow Trust staff will guide and support you in your work. You will receive a full induction to the charity and a programme of training relevant to your role, to help you get the most from your time with us. Training will cover areas such as safeguarding, active listening skills, bereavement, health and safety, confidentiality and GDPR. Further modules will be available for you if you would like to develop your knowledge. All care volunteers will receive regular one to one support and more formal supervision sessions.
Why choose Rainbow Trust?
- We are a Sunday Times Top 100 Not-for-Profit organisation and a leading charity for children and young people
- Professional training and opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge
- The enjoyment of becoming part of our friendly and welcoming team, knowing you are making a valuable contribution to the lives of the families we support
- A calendar of social events for volunteers, including Christmas events and celebrations for Volunteers’ Week
- We will reimburse your out-of-pocket travel expenses
Ready to apply?
Get in touch with our Volunteering Team by email on volunteering@rainbowtrust.org.uk or call 01372 363438 for more information about volunteering with us.
Selection process:
Enrolment form, references, interview, Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS).
Please note that we will only process applications from volunteers who are resident in the UK and who have already obtained the relevant immigration permits. We are unable to sponsor Charity Worker Visas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Driver – North East Area Various Locations in Gateshead
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Driver – North East Area Various Locations in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Rainbow Trust Children, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Rainbow Trust Children.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rainbow Trust Children
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Rainbow Trust Children and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
