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- Tasks: Provide safe transport for families to healthcare appointments and activities.
- Company: Join Rainbow Trust, a leading charity supporting families with terminally ill children.
- Benefits: Flexible volunteering hours, training opportunities, and reimbursement of travel expenses.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence, empathy, and a friendly attitude required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with social events and ongoing training.
Location: Various Locations in and around the North East Area
Closing date: 30 June 2026
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.
Volunteer Driver – North East Area Various Locations employer: Rainbow Trust Children
Contact Detail:
Rainbow Trust Children Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Driver – North East Area Various Locations
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the charity! Before you apply, do a bit of research on Rainbow Trust. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers through social media or community groups. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the interview! Think about scenarios where you've shown empathy or handled stressful situations. The more relatable your experiences are, the better you'll connect with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and helping families in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Driver – North East Area Various Locations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about helping families.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences match what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon to ensure we can easily understand your points. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest info about the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rainbow Trust Children
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand Rainbow Trust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with how they support families with children facing serious illnesses. This will help you connect your personal motivations to the role and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a Volunteer Driver, you'll be interacting with families in stressful situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and patience. This could be through previous volunteer work or any relevant interactions that highlight your ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your driving experience and how you handle various situations on the road. Think about scenarios where you had to remain calm under pressure or adapt to unexpected changes. Being able to articulate these experiences will show that you're prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the training process, the types of families you might be supporting, or how the team collaborates. Asking insightful questions demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
