RNIB Edinburgh and Lothians provide comprehensive services to blind and partially sighted people within the region including statutory social work, rehabilitation and low vision services. It also provides a wide range of activities and services supported by volunteers. Volunteer drivers are needed to transport clients to various appointments, activities and services within the region.
You may be required to take customers or volunteers to specific destinations or to make home visits to clients, using RNIB's company car or your own vehicle. You must have a full licence and, if using your own vehicle, have a valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance. You may be required to drive the Centre minibus for which training will be given.
For this role you will need to be a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
What will I be doing?
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To work on a one to one basis, collecting clients from their home and taking them to and from various locations within the Edinburgh & the Lothians.
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To assist clients in and out of the vehicle ensuring their safety at all times.
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To report any incidents no matter how small.
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To log mileage and complete expense forms regularly.
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To liaise with the transport co-ordinator.
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Optional occasional minibus driving (to be discussed at interview stage).
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Sighted guide provision if required
What skills can I bring to this role?
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Ability to work on own
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Be able to help/escort clients from home to car.
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If required to drive a minibus you must be 25 years or over, have 2 years' or more driving experience and hold a D1 category licence and be willing to carry out MIDAS minibus training.
What qualities do I need?
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Punctuality
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Reliability
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Patience and a friendly manner
When will I be needed?
Clients access a wide variety of daytime and evening activities therefore the shift times vary from 2-4 hours. However, currently we specifically require volunteers for daytime hours.
Weekends optional.
Location
You will be collecting clients from their homes in around Edinburgh and the Lothians, specific location dependent on areas willing to travel in.
What will I gain from the role?
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Manual Handling/Lifting training
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MIDAS minibus certificate may be offered if applicable.
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Bi-annual social events.
What support will I be given?
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Induction
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Understanding Sight Loss Pack
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Expenses - all out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed including expenses to attend training
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Supervision and support from your volunteer manager/ co-ordinator
Additional Information
If you are successful with this application, you will be asked to produce the following documentation:
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A recent passport sized photograph of you. This will be used on your RNIB ID card. We are more than happy to reimburse you for the expense of the photograph processing and this can be done on your first expense claim form.
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You will also need to include some form of identification to prove you are the person in the photograph. The different types of documents you can send in as evidence are as follows:
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Passport
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Photo Driving Licence
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EU Photo Identity Card/Travel pass or any other photo identity card.
* Photocopies of any of the above will be acceptable.
If you do not have any photographic identification, please still forward your photograph to us and we will ask your volunteer manager to confirm your identity if you become successful in the role you have applied for.
How do I apply?
Please download and complete the application form:
If you would like the application form in a different format (such as large print, braille or audio) or if you have any general enquiries, please contact the Volunteering Team on: 0845 603 0575 or 01733 375450 or email volunteering@rnib.org.uk