Volunteer RSPCA Van Driver (Ringwood and surroundings areas)

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 RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre, Horton Rd, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET then you could support our vital work by moving animals as required, using a van based at the animal centre. 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:

• You must be reliable and committed to the role.
• 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.
• You will need to have been driving for at least 2 years.
• 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.

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.