At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive a van to transport animals to vets and care facilities, ensuring their safety.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, a leading animal welfare charity dedicated to rescuing and protecting animals.
- Benefits: Meet new people, gain skills, and make a real difference while having your travel expenses reimbursed.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate community, helping animals in need and supporting local animal welfare efforts.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid driving licence and be 18 or over; ability to lift animals is a plus.
- Other info: This role requires commitment for at least a year and involves weekday availability.
Volunteer RSPCA Van Driver (Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire area)
Do you enjoy driving? Would you like to help save our Inspectorate\’s time by helping to transport animals in need?
The RSPCA’s Animal Logistics Team supports our Inspectors and Animal Rescue Officers by transporting animals to and from the vets, private boarding establishments, animal centres and hospitals within health and safety guidelines. The vast majority of our drivers are volunteers, saving our Inspectorate time and freeing up their time to attend calls for help.
If you have a valid driving licence, some spare time during weekdays and live in or around Aylesbury then you could support our vital work by moving animals as required, using a van based at RSPCA Blackberry Farm Animal Centre, Quainton, Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP22 4RJ
Our volunteer drivers get to meet lots of different RSPCA staff and volunteers, and also meet other animal care professionals in their local area. You’ll also get a buzz by knowing your actions are helping animals.
Please note:
- We are looking for someone who is able to stay in the role for some time – a year or more (please do not apply if you are between employment and actively looking for full-time work during the week).
- This role can only be carried out during weekdays (normal office hours) – this may change in future to include weekends too.
- The role can involve long journeys (arranged in advance) and you will be required to use a van supplied by RSPCA. These vans have a manual gearbox.
- We’ll supply any kit required to transport animals safely and we’re happy to reimburse expenses you may incur under our mileage allowance
- The role involves cleaning of animal transport equipment and the van interior after each use, and minimal paperwork (training will be given)
- Online training, a driving declaration and a face-to-face induction will need to be undertaken before starting the role. The online training can be incompatible with mobile phones and tablets, so access to a laptop or PC is required.
- This role does not involve direct animal handling
- A chat with members of the Animal Logistics team will follow your application. As we are a home-based team, this chat will take place by a pre-arranged video or telephone call.
So, if you’ve got the drive to volunteer with the RSPCA, please click ‘apply’ below and tell us more about you.
Volunteer role
Volunteer RSPCA Van Driver
Volunteer manager
Centre Manager
Where you will be based
Community
Why we want you
We are the RSPCA and it\’s our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day. Volunteer drivers support the vital work of the RSPCA’s animal centres by transporting animals to and from vets, private boarding establishments and hospitals as required and directed by their local Networking team.
What you will be doing
- Transporting animals to and from the vets, private boarding establishments, animal centres and hospitals as required and as set down by the animal centre’s guidelines and within health and safety guidelines. This may involve lifting animals of various sizes and weight.
- Ensuring that RSPCA rules and regulations are complied with
- Carrying out a small amount of administrative work, such as completing mileage returns
- Undertaking appropriate training as directed by the network team and the animal centre
- Using RSPCA equipment to transport the animals such as leads, cages, vari kennels etc
The skills you need
- Drivers must have a valid driving licence
- Drivers should be able to lift animals in and out of the vehicle safely if required
- Volunteers must be aged 18 or over
What’s in it for you
- Meet new people and make new friends
- Learn great new skills to add to your CV
- A great induction and training relevant to your role
- Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of the local community
- You’ll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals
- We are happy to reimburse any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us
Disclaimer
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees. Before you can start volunteering you’ll need to complete our simple online Health & Safety assessment. At the RSPCA we don’t want you to be out of pocket by volunteering, so we are happy to reimburse any agreed out of pocket expenses you incur whilst volunteering. Volunteers will be required to undertake online and practical driving assessments and will receive a copy of our volunteer drivers’ handbook.All volunteers must ensure that they use the van provided for RSPCA purposes only and that they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst driving the vehicle.If a volunteer has any concerns or questions regarding their role, they should speak to a member of staff or the volunteer co-ordinator, if applicable, immediately.
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Volunteer RSPCA Van Driver (Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire area) employer: RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Contact Detail:
RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer RSPCA Van Driver (Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire area)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you convey your passion during the chat with the Animal Logistics team.
✨Tip Number 2
Make sure you have a valid driving licence and are comfortable driving a manual van. Practising your driving skills can boost your confidence and ensure you're ready for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the video or telephone chat by thinking about your availability and how you can commit to the role for at least a year. Being clear about your schedule will show your dedication.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local area around Aylesbury, including potential routes and locations where you might be transporting animals. This knowledge can demonstrate your initiative and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer RSPCA Van Driver (Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire area)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your driving experience and any relevant skills. Mention your valid driving licence and your ability to lift animals safely, as these are key requirements for the role.
Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for animal welfare in your application. Share any previous volunteer experiences or personal stories that demonstrate your commitment to helping animals, as this will resonate with the RSPCA's mission.
Highlight Availability: Clearly state your availability during weekdays and your willingness to commit to the role for a year or more. This is important as the RSPCA is looking for long-term volunteers who can support their work consistently.
Prepare for the Interview: Be ready for a chat with the Animal Logistics team after submitting your application. Prepare to discuss your motivations for volunteering and how you can contribute to the team, as well as any questions you may have about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for animal welfare during the interview. The RSPCA values volunteers who are genuinely committed to helping animals, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to support their mission.
✨Demonstrate Your Driving Skills
Since this role involves driving a van, be prepared to discuss your driving experience. Highlight your valid driving licence and any previous driving roles you've held, especially those involving transporting goods or animals.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific scenarios, such as lifting animals safely or dealing with unexpected situations on the road. Think through these scenarios in advance to show that you're prepared and capable.
✨Understand the Commitment Required
Clarify your availability and willingness to commit to the role for at least a year. The RSPCA is looking for dedicated volunteers, so be honest about your schedule and ensure it aligns with their needs.