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- Tasks: Drive a van to transport animals in need and support RSPCA's vital work.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, a leading animal welfare charity making a difference.
- Benefits: Meet new people, gain skills, and make a real impact on animal welfare.
- Why this job: Help save animals while enjoying a rewarding volunteer experience.
- Qualifications: Valid driving licence and ability to lift animals safely.
- Other info: Flexible weekday hours with reimbursement for travel expenses.
Volunteer RSPCA Van Driver (Taunton and surrounding 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 Taunton then you could support our vital work by moving animals as required, using a van based at RSPCA West Hatch, Taunton TA3 5RT.
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.
More about this role
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 (Taunton and surrounding areas) 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 (Taunton and surrounding areas)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the RSPCA and its mission! Familiarise yourself with their values and recent initiatives. This will help you connect better during your chat with the Animal Logistics team.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to share your driving experience! Think about specific examples where you've demonstrated safe driving or helped others, as this will show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the video or phone chat by finding a quiet space and ensuring your tech is working. A calm environment will help you focus and make a great impression!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and helps us keep track of all the amazing volunteers like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer RSPCA Van Driver (Taunton and surrounding areas)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: When you're filling out your application, let us know why you love animals and want to help. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to animal welfare. This will help us see your genuine interest in the role!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your skills and availability.
Highlight Your Driving Experience: Since this role involves driving, make sure to mention your driving experience and any relevant qualifications. If you've driven vans before or have experience with manual gearboxes, let us know – it could give you an edge!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission and values. Understand the role of a Volunteer Van Driver and how it supports animal welfare. This will show your genuine interest and commitment during the interview.
✨Be Ready to Share
Think about your previous driving experiences and any relevant volunteer work. Be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your reliability, ability to follow guidelines, and your passion for helping animals.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. This could be about the training process, the types of animals you might transport, or how the team collaborates. It shows you're engaged and eager to learn more.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since they’re looking for someone who can stay in the role for a year or more, express your willingness to commit. Talk about your availability and how you plan to fit this role into your schedule, especially during weekdays.
