At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive families to healthcare appointments and support groups, ensuring safe and reliable transport.
- Company: Join Rainbow Trust, a top charity dedicated to supporting children and families in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible volunteering hours, professional training, and reimbursement for travel expenses.
- Other info: Flexible commitment options available; training provided to enhance your skills.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while gaining valuable experience and joining a friendly team.
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, have a full driving licence for 2+ years, and own a vehicle.
Overview
Location: London and South East of England
Closing date: 30 January 2026
Salary: Reasonable out of pocket travel expenses
As a Volunteer Driver, you will help to give additional support to the families we work with by providing safe, comfortable and reliable transport.
This enables families to travel safely to healthcare appointments, school and other activities.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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 or call 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.
#J-18808-LjbffrVolunteer Driver - Surrey in London employer: Rainbow Trust Children
Rainbow Trust Children is an exceptional employer that values compassion and community impact, offering volunteers the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of families with sick children. With a flexible schedule and a supportive work culture, volunteers can enjoy meaningful engagement while developing valuable skills in a nurturing environment. Join us in the North East and be part of a dedicated team that prioritises empathy and reliability in every journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Driver - Surrey in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area in Surrey and surrounding regions. Knowing the best routes and potential traffic issues can help you provide reliable transport for families, which is a key part of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local community groups or forums related to volunteering or family support. Networking with others in similar roles can provide insights and tips on how to excel as a Volunteer Driver.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your empathy and understanding during any informal conversations or interviews. Share personal experiences that highlight your ability to connect with families in stressful situations, as this will resonate well with the organisation's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility during the selection process. Highlighting your willingness to adapt to the needs of families will show your commitment to the role and make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Driver - Surrey in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Volunteer Driver position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have with driving, working with families, or interacting with children and young people. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and empathy.
Show Your Commitment:Express your willingness to commit to the role for at least 12 months. Mention your flexibility in terms of availability and how you can meet the varying needs of the families you'll be supporting.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rainbow Trust Children
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Volunteer Driver, you'll be interacting with families in stressful situations. Make sure to express your understanding and empathy during the interview. Share any relevant experiences where you've supported others, especially in challenging circumstances.
✨Highlight Your Driving Experience
Since a full driving licence and experience are crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your driving history. Mention how long you've been driving, any relevant training you've completed, and your familiarity with the local area.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
The role requires flexibility in terms of availability. Be ready to talk about your schedule and how you can accommodate the varying needs of families. Showing that you're adaptable will make you a more appealing candidate.
✨Prepare Questions About Training
The organisation offers training on important topics like safeguarding and active listening. Prepare thoughtful questions about the training process and how it will support you in your role. This shows your commitment to personal development and the well-being of the families you'll serve.
