Community Volunteer Driver Volunteer Roles

Join us in making a difference in our community by ensuring everyone has access to the food they need. Your help can bring a positive change to many lives!

Role Overview:

Join our dedicated team at Abbey Community Centre to help combat food insecurity in our community. As a Community Food Club Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that food donations are efficiently received, sorted, and distributed to local elderly people and families with young children aged 5 and under. Your efforts will directly contribute to providing much-needed support to those experiencing food insecurity.

Key Responsibilities:

Receiving Food Deliveries:

  - Welcome and assist delivery drivers.

  - Check and record the received items against delivery notes.

  - Ensure all food items are handled and stored according to safety guidelines.

Sorting and Bagging Food Donations:

  - Sort donated food items by type and ensure they meet quality standards.

  - Organize and pack food items into bags or boxes for distribution.

  - Ensure that the right quantity and variety of food is packed for each family and elderly recipient.

Distribution Preparation:

  - Help set up the distribution area.

  - Ensure all packed bags are ready for distribution days.

  - Assist in maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

Record Keeping:

  - Help maintain accurate records of food received and distributed.

  - Assist with inventory management to track stock levels.

Skills and Experience:

Essential:

  - Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

  - Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.

  - Physical ability to lift and carry bags/boxes of food.

  - Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and respecting the privacy of recipients.

Desirable:

  - Previous experience in a similar role or in food handling.

  - Knowledge of food safety standards.

  - Basic record-keeping skills.

Personal Qualities:

- Compassionate and empathetic attitude towards people facing food insecurity.

- Reliable and punctual.

- Willingness to follow instructions and adhere to health and safety guidelines.

- Positive and proactive approach to volunteering.

When you'll be needed:

Between 2-3 hours on Tuesday afternoons

Benefits:

- Gain valuable experience in food distribution and community service.

- Make a meaningful impact on the lives of local families and elderly individuals.

- Meet new people and become part of a supportive and friendly team.

- Receive training and ongoing support from our project coordinator.

Abbey Community Centre is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.

All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

One of the greatest challenges for many older people is access to suitable transport. As we age, our mobility decreases and sometimes we can lose confidence in our ability to leave the house independently. 

Our network of volunteer drivers provide a vital lifeline to many older people to help them get out and about and keep them connected with their local community.

We are able to provide transport to and from Link Age Southwark social groups. This role is all about providing an unhurried door-to-door service on either a regular or one-off basis. 

This role requires:

• owning a car with a full and clean driving license and suitable insurance cover (most insurance companies are charity friendly - we can help verify your car use if required)
• ensuring the vehicle you are driving is safe and legal
• sufficient fitness to drive - please inform us if there are any issues that may affect your driving ability
• patience and understanding towards the needs of older people, particularly those with mobility issues
• attendance at a volunteer induction and other relevant training opportunities
• completion of a full Disclosure Barring Service and character reference check
• a commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health and safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality & diversity

Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.

We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.

Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

FareShare Greater Manchester is looking for safe, confident drivers to join our busy, friendly delivery team. 

We re-distribute tonnes of surplus food a month to charities and community initiatives across Greater Manchester. This is an achievement of which we’re proud, and want to expand and is why we need your driving and delivery skills to support our growing operation, especially in these current times of increased need.

Key responsibilities

Driving a van to deliver surplus food orders to the premises of the various Community Food Members we support. 
Loading and unloading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

As a Delivery Driver at FareShare, you will be driving a temperature-controlled 3.5 tonnes Mercedes Sprinter van; working closely with a Driver’s Assistant to re-distribute food orders to the premises of a wide variety of Community Food Members. You will be involved with loading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

The required skills and attributes are as follows. You must:

Be aged 25 or over, with a clean driver's licence (or a maximum of 3 points).
(Experience of driving a van is desirable though not essential).

Be reliable and be able to commit to pre-agreed volunteer shifts.

Be physically fit to take on moving and handling of food orders.

Possess the ability to follow procedures and instructions.

Have good verbal communication skills.

Have a high respect for Health & Safety standards and procedures.

Have an interest in the work of FareShare Greater Manchester and our values.

In return you will gain:

Career, CV advice and support

A reference for future employers

Reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses 

The opportunity to give practical help to fight food poverty and reduce food waste (and associated CO2 emissions)

The opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends

Our operating hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. 

Drivers' 4 hour shifts begin at 8:30am. 

We especially welcome volunteers who can commit to one day a week. 

The days and rota hours of volunteering are agreed around your availability.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

At MHA Communities South London we support older people to live independently in their own homes and communities. We offer a variety of social activities and services for people aged 55.

 As a volunteer driver you’ll support our MHA Community members by providing transport to MHA groups. Some of our members are isolated and rely on their volunteer driver to take them to their activities.

Benefits for you:

• Help improve the quality of life for older people
• Be part of a friendly team and meet new people
• Support your community
• Keep socially active
• Develop new skills

Skills and qualities desired:

• Good communication and people skills
• Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people and people living with Dementia
• You will be reliable and punctual
• A willingness to engage with training and development
• You will have a strong driving safety awareness

Training, support, and requirements:

• Proof of a clean driving licence, insurance cover and MOT
• Access to own vehicle
• A good driving safety awareness
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
• We will provide you with a full induction for the role
• Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training and updating of skills and knowledge relevant to the role
• Ongoing support from a named contact

Times and Commitment:

• Tuesday and/or Thursday- 10am-11am and 12.30pm-1.30pm
• Not available during this time? We also have occasional events and activities. Days and times variable, please get in touch.
• 2 hours per week
• We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of six months

*Please note- we can only accept applications from volunteers who currently live in the UK

About you

We are looking for people with or without board level experience, and we would welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds.

In order to continue to enhance the diversity of our board, we would particularly like to hear from people from ethnically marginalised groups, particularly Black African backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with physical disabilities, and other marginalised groups, and especially those with direct experience of services provided by our hospice.

On this occasion and following a recent skills audit of our current trustees, we are particularly looking for people with expertise in any of the following areas:

• Finance and accounting (with a view to succession planning for our current Treasurer)
• Co-production, community engagement and community development
• Property and estate management

Commitments from trustees and from the hospice

Trustees are expected to attend, in person or via tele-conferencing:

• Sessions agreed as part of each trustee’s personalised induction programme.

• Bi-monthly board meetings.

• Approximately two board away days per year, dedicated to strategic planning.

Where they are willing and able, trustees may be asked to join one of the board sub-committees.

Whilst this is an unpaid, voluntary role, out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. A personalised induction programme, training, support and mentorship will be provided.

Person specification

Each trustee must have:

• commitment to the vision of the hospice

• willingness to meet the minimum time commitment

• integrity

• strategic vision

• good, independent judgement

• the ability to think creatively

• willingness to speak their mind

• understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• the ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good

of the hospice.

Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and the hospice welcomes applications from all ages and backgrounds.

Closing date for applications is Monday 7 October.

Would you like to help blind and partially sighted people in your community? Do you enjoy driving and meeting new people and live in the Edinburgh and Lothian area? If so, we want you to come and join us as a Volunteer Driver.

Our volunteers provide a friendly face and that personal touch to brighten the days for the people they drive. Our drivers can become a regular part of someone’s life and for some their journeys together may be the only chance an RNIB customer has had to get out of their home for some time.

If you are friendly, courteous and reliable then this is the opportunity for you.

*Assist passengers in and out of vehicle; Drive to activities and events; Sighted Guiding.

*Willingness to work independently; Reliable and punctual.

*Understanding Sight Loss Pack; Induction; Expenses; Supervision and help from your Manager.

*This role requires membership of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme (Children and Adults).

Volunteer Opportunity: Home Library Drivers Wanted!

Location: Wolverhampton and/or Sandwell

Closing Date: 5th August 2024

Are you passionate about helping others and making a difference in your community? Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton are looking for dedicated volunteer home library drivers to help us deliver library books to individuals who are unable to access libraries due to disability, illness, frailty, or full-time caregiving responsibilities.

No experience necessary.  Full training given.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check, as you will be delivering library resources to vulnerable people at home. We will pay for and apply for this on your behalf.

Purpose of the Role:

• At the beginning of the shift, pick up library materials from a designated library and drive these resources to a list of client’s homes ensuring the safe and timely transport of these resources.

• Follow a 4-6 weekly rota to drop off and pick up these resources (so the routes and clients are familiar to you) 

• When you drop off the resources, if vulnerable clients look like they need support (we train you to identify this) you will inform our Coordinator who will undertake an assessment. 

Minimum Commitment Required:

1 day per week (hours to be agreed) for a minimum 6 months (following an induction, where you shadow our existing drivers and get to know our organisation)

About You

You will have: 

• Qualified driver status with a full, current UK driving license (maximum 6 penalty points) and access to own car. (we pay mileage expenses)

• Friendly, approachable with a positive attitude

• Reliable, punctual and ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team

In Return, We Offer:

Valuable Experience: Gain practical experience and a sense of fulfilment in volunteering for a trusted charity with over 80 years’ experience.

Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and  feel part of our wonderful team.

Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a difference in someone's life.

Flexible Hours: We understand the nature of volunteering and offer flexible volunteering hours.

Diversity and Inclusion: At our organisation, we strive diligently to foster an environment of diversity and inclusion. We firmly believe in embracing individuals from all walks of life and encourage all to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As a volunteer we will reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering will not cost you anything apart from your time.

What Our Volunteers Say About Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton 

“Now that I am retired, volunteering at Citizens Advice gives me a purpose in life. I feel I can serve my community and make a difference to local people who are in difficulty. I learn a lot, use my skills and discover new skills as well as having new and varied experiences every day”. 

Volunteer Generalist Advisor 

“I was a Doctor before I retired and Citizens Advice is like working in a hospital, the work is rewarding. My colleagues are great. Real team work”! 

 Volunteer Generalist Advisor 

Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our communities. Apply today to join our team and become a Volunteer Home Library Driver!

Can you help our four-legged friends get from A to B? We are looking for a friendly volunteer who can dedicate some time and their vehicle to transport our animals between our centres, boarding establishments, and the vets.

As a volunteer driver, you would be able to provide a suitable vehicle that you could use to help us transport the animals in our care. This is so our furry friends can get the veterinary care that they need or to reach one of our adoption units or animal centres. We rescue and rehome around 200 animals each year and provide community help and support with animal welfare in all DA postcodes plus BR8 postcodes.

You will be provided with everything you need to be able to transport our animals safely such as leads, cages etc. as well as any training and support. 

Volunteer Driver responsibilities:

• Transport animals to and from the vets, private boarding establishments and our animal centres within our health and safety guidelines.
• Ensure that RSPCA rules and regulations are complied with.
• Carry out a small amount of administrative work, such as completing mileage returns.
• Use RSPCA equipment to help you transport the animals such as leads, cages, kennels etc.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Driver:

• Drivers must be aged 18 or over, have a valid driving licence, and a vehicle, which is suitable for transporting animals.
•  Someone who can lift animals in and out of the vehicle.
•  A friendly volunteer who has time and patience for each animal.
•  Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment for 4 hours weekly.
•  A careful driver!
•  Applications are particularly invited from people residing in DA postcodes or BR8 postcodes

What we can offer you as a volunteer Driver:

• A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area.
• A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV.
• An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
• A fun environment at the heart of the local community.
• The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.
• Reimbursement for any reasonable expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us.
• To join a small but friendly team of staff and volunteers.

Practical considerations:  

• Volunteers will be required to complete an annual driver’s declaration
• This role will involve lifting animals of various sizes and weight.
• All volunteers must ensure that they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst driving for the RSPCA.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch. 

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.   

FareShare Greater Manchester is looking for volunteer Driver's Assistants to join our busy friendly delivery team with redistributing tonnes of surplus food a month to charities and community initiatives across Greater Manchester.

FareShare is a national charity fighting food poverty and global warming by tackling food surplus. We source overstocked food from retailers and manufacturers and engage many volunteers to help re-distribute it to over 220 frontline charities and community groups across Greater Manchester. These groups, in turn, provide meals to vulnerable people experiencing food poverty, individuals who are homeless, families, and people who are unemployed or socially isolated. This food would otherwise have gone to waste, so we are simultaneously supporting people in need and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key responsibilities

Working closely with the driver of a temperature-controlled 3.5 tonne Mercedes Sprinter van to deliver surplus food orders to the premises of the benevolent projects we support. 

Loading and unloading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

The required skills and attributes are:

• Reliability and ability to commit to pre-agreed volunteer shifts (ESSENTIAL)

• Physical fitness, to take on moving and handling of food orders

• Ability to follow procedures and instructions

• Good verbal communication skills

• Interest in the work of FareShare Greater Manchester and our values

• High respect for Health & Safety procedures and standards

In return you will gain:

Career and CV advice and support

A reference for future employers

Reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses 

The opportunity to give practical help to fight food poverty and reduce food waste (and associated CO2 emissions)

The opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends

Our operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. 

Driver and Driver’s Assistant shifts begin at 8:30am. 

We welcome volunteers who can commit to one day a week. 

The days and rota hours of volunteering are agreed around your availability.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Location: Travelling across the West Midlands, but our driver will meet you at our Chelmsley Wood Shop (B37 5TS)

Hours: Flexible Monday - Friday. Ideally, you'll need to be available for at least the day from 8am - 4pm, as once the van leaves, it may not return until the end of the day.

Our focus is around empowering and supporting volunteers to maximise their potential. But we also want to ensure a safe and happy atmosphere where you can make new friends, enjoy the experience and become part of the Acorns family.

No previous experience is necessary, however a positive outlook and good team working skills are a must working with a small team on the van.

You will be assisting the driver in their daily duties:

• Assisting in the delivery and collection of goods
• Always being courteous and representing Acorns
• Handling stock carefully
• Being aware of health and safety risks
• Always keeping the van clean and tidy

We are looking for persons that are:

• Welcoming and friendly
• Smart and of clean of appearance
• Enjoy working in a close team
• Reliable and honest
• Able to prioritise tasks and be flexible
• Have good teamworking skills
• Are sensitive to the needs of our customers/donors
• Are physically fit and able to lift items that may at times be heavy

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

We are looking for volunteers who have a keen eye for detail, an interest in fashion and a passion for supporting sustainability to join our retail team across 22nd and 23rd October at Liverpool John Moores University.

Tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Set up/replenishment – setting up rails, tidy and replenish stock.
• Marketing support – hand out flyers, create social posts and other support spreading the word about the event and Newlife.
• Fitting room advisor – welcome customers in to the fitting rooms, check them in and advise on outfits, obtain other sizes for customers.
• Cash desk – helping pack and sign customers up to Newlife Style Card.

All volunteers will receive a volunteer discount of 20% that can be used on any item of stock during the two days that the pop up store is running – which is a bonus on top of our already discounted prices!

You will be provided with the relevant training appropriate for your role and will be supported by our experienced retail team.

The pop up will be open from 10am – 5pm on day one (set up from 8am) and from 10am – 4pm on day two. For this role, we required a minimum commitment of one shift.

Newlife offers a lifeline for families, providing life changing and life-saving equipment when and where its needed. Alongside equipment, we campaign to improve the outlook for disabled children and change lives. We support parents, work with health professionals and strive for a future where all disabled children get the support and equipment they need and deserve.

We are looking for volunteers who have a keen eye for detail, an interest in fashion and a passion for supporting sustainability to join our retail team across 8th and 9th October at Central Lancashire University (UCLAN).

Tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Set up/replenishment – setting up rails, tidy and replenish stock.
• Marketing support – hand out flyers, create social posts and other support spreading the word about the event and Newlife.
• Fitting room advisor – welcome customers in to the fitting rooms, check them in and advise on outfits, obtain other sizes for customers.
• Cash desk – helping pack and sign customers up to Newlife Style Card.

All volunteers will receive a volunteer discount of 20% that can be used on any item of stock during the two days that the pop up store is running – which is a bonus on top of our already discounted prices!

You will be provided with the relevant training appropriate for your role and will be supported by our experienced retail team.

The pop up will be open from 10am – 5pm on day one (set up from 8am) and from 10am – 4pm on day two. For this role, we require a minimum of one shift. 

Newlife offers a lifeline for families, providing life changing and life-saving equipment when and where its needed. Alongside equipment, we campaign to improve the outlook for disabled children and change lives. We support parents, work with health professionals and strive for a future where all disabled children get the support and equipment they need and deserve.

We are looking for volunteers who have a keen eye for detail, an interest in fashion and a passion for supporting sustainability to join our retail team across 29th and 30th October at University of Derby.

Tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Set up/replenishment – setting up rails, tidy and replenish stock.
• Marketing support – hand out flyers, create social posts and other support spreading the word about the event and Newlife.
• Fitting room advisor – welcome customers in to the fitting rooms, check them in and advise on outfits, obtain other sizes for customers.
• Cash desk – helping pack and sign customers up to Newlife Style Card.

All volunteers will receive a volunteer discount of 20% that can be used on any item of stock during the two days that the pop up store is running – which is a bonus on top of our already discounted prices!

You will be provided with the relevant training appropriate for your role and will be supported by our experienced retail team.

The pop up will be open from 10am – 5pm on day one (set up from 8am) and from 10am – 4pm on day two. For this role, we required a minimum commitment of one shift.

Newlife offers a lifeline for families, providing life changing and life-saving equipment when and where its needed. Alongside equipment, we campaign to improve the outlook for disabled children and change lives. We support parents, work with health professionals and strive for a future where all disabled children get the support and equipment they need and deserve.

We are looking for volunteers who have a keen eye for detail, an interest in fashion and a passion for supporting sustainability to join our retail team across 10th and 11th October at Hatfield University.

Tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Set up/replenishment – setting up rails, tidy and replenish stock.
• Marketing support – hand out flyers, create social posts and other support spreading the word about the event and Newlife.
• Fitting room advisor – welcome customers in to the fitting rooms, check them in and advise on outfits, obtain other sizes for customers.
• Cash desk – helping pack and sign customers up to Newlife Style Card.

All volunteers will receive a volunteer discount of 20% that can be used on any item of stock during the two days that the pop up store is running – which is a bonus on top of our already discounted prices!

You will be provided with the relevant training appropriate for your role and will be supported by our experienced retail team.

The pop up will be open from 10am – 5pm on day one (set up from 8am) and from 10am – 4pm on day two. For this role, we require a minimum of one shift.

Newlife offers a lifeline for families, providing life changing and life-saving equipment when and where its needed. Alongside equipment, we campaign to improve the outlook for disabled children and change lives. We support parents, work with health professionals and strive for a future where all disabled children get the support and equipment they need and deserve.