Volunteering

Please help us! We are always in real need of Volunteer Drivers. If you can offer time to drive for someone less fortunate than yourself, then please contact us. Even if you can only offer a couple of hours a week, then we want to hear from you. Training will be given at no cost to yourself.

Volunteers play an absolutely essential part, and contribute in a major way, to the success of Kingswood Community Transport, and without their support only a fraction of the services that we deliver could continue to be delivered. Currently, twenty one volunteers help with work organised from the KCT office, with a number of others assisting groups when their individual bookings occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there payment or a salary?

No there is no salary as these are volunteer opportunities see below for information on expenses.

Do I need any training?

All drivers are trained to the national ‘MiDAS’ driving standard which is provided free of charge to volunteers. Drivers also receive practical on-the-job training as well as ongoing support.

Do I need a PSV / PCV licence?

Do I need 'D1 on my driving licence?

Are there any age restrictions?

You need to be at least 21 years old. If you are aged over 70 you are required to undertake a medical every three years for which we will pay and we welcome drivers above this age.

I have some endorsements on my driving licence. Can I still volunteer?

This depends on what the endorsements are, and how long ago. Please telephone to discuss this.

I am new to the UK, can I still volunteer?

We are able to accept certain driving licences in addition to UK ones. You should note, however, than non-British licences are only valid for 12 months after residing in the UK.

Do I receive expenses?

Yes, you will receive reasonable expenses to cover the costs of your getting to and from our depot and also to cover the costs of any meals. With some trips you may also have the opportunity to enjoy the attraction / visit / show etc that was the purpose of the trip.

Is there a uniform?

Volunteers are provided with a warm fleece and a high visibility jacket displaying the Kingswood Community Transport logo.

I am not a British citizen, does that make any difference?

Am I covered by insurance?

Yes – We have comprehensive insurance for all our vehicles, and also for our volunteers, employees and passengers, as well as public liability insurance.

How will I know where to go?

Our Operations team will provide you daily driver sheets detailing destinations and times of pick up/drop offs. We are always on hand to help and answer any questions. We encourage drivers to use their own mobile phones whilst volunteering and we will top up your phone at no cost to yourself.

How physically fit do I need to be?

A normal level of fitness is more than adequate. The vast majority of our vehicles have mechanical lifts so the amount of physical work pushing wheelchairs etc is limited to minimum.

How do I know when I am needed?

We work around your availability and lifestyle. Our Operations team aim to match the needs of our customers to your availability.

I am receiving benefits from the state. Does volunteering impact on my entitlement to benefits?

This is a question you will need to refer to JobCentrePlus (or other organisation providing benefits). It may be useful to read the JobCentrePlus leaflet entitled “Volunteering while receiving benefits”.

What sort of vehicle will I be driving?

We have a fleet of 21 vehicles ranging from accessible cars to 16-seater minibuses.

How long is a typical journey?

Most trips involve a door-to-door service picking up passengers from a series of home addresses, taking them to their destination, and then returning them to their home again.

Is there any regular driving roles?

Yes there are some regular trips and we prefer to allocate the same driver (this suits both the driver and the group).

What if I breakdown, have an accident, have a problem etc?

All our vehicles are covered by comprehensive breakdown cover through the RAC.

Do I need a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check?

Yes. All our drivers are required to submit to an Enhanced DBS check. Those with a conviction will not necessarily be excluded from volunteering; each declaration is considered on a case-by-case basis. This is done free of charge.

Where can I find out more?

Please call us on 0117 961 6016 to have a chat about any questions or queries you may have. We look forward to hearing from you and you being able to start voluntary work with us in the near future.

SUPPORTED by

Kingswood Community Transport is kindly supported by