VAN DRIVER

At RSPCA South Bucks, our vision is 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.

Would you like to help RSPCA South Bucks by transporting animals and delivering essential supplies? If you have a valid, clean driving licence, some spare time during weekdays, evenings, or weekends, and live in or around South Bucks, you could support our vital work.

Our Volunteer Van Drivers get to meet a variety of RSPCA staff, volunteers, and animal care professionals in the South Bucks area. You'll also get the satisfaction of knowing your efforts are directly helping animals.

Van Driver role profile

Volunteer role: Van Driver

Volunteer supervisor: Animal Coordinators

Where you will be based: Community based, but collect from and return vehicle to Chesham

Role availability: Ad hoc, but must carry out any agreed journeys

Vehicle to be used: Small RSPCA Caddy van

What you will be doing

Assisting our Animal Coordinators by transporting animals to and from vets, animal hospitals in central London, foster homes, and boarding establishments as required.
Using RSPCA-approved equipment such as cages, leads and kennels to ensure safe transportation.
Carrying out ad hoc transport requests from the management team.
Undertaking appropriate training as directed by the management team.
Cleaning the van interior and the animal transport equipment after each use.
Completing basic paperwork, such as mileage returns.

What we’re looking for

You must be aged 25 or over with a full valid and clean driving licence, and at least 5 years relevant driving experience.
You must be able to drive a manual vehicle.
You must be a careful and responsible driver.
Volunteers must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving the vehicle.
You will be required to undertake online and practical driving assessments.
You must be able to lift and carry animals safely in and out of the vehicle. This role involves lifting animals of various sizes and weights.
You must be friendly and patient, as animals may have different needs and temperaments.
You must be able to lift and handle boxes, bags, and hay bales safely.
Good communication skills, reliability and organisational skills.
All volunteers must complete an online induction. You will need basic IT skills and access to a PC or laptop.
Volunteers must use the van provided for RSPCA purposes only. This must be collected from and returned to Chesham for each journey.

Why volunteer with us?

Meet new people and make new friends.
Gain valuable skills and experience to enhance your CV.
Benefit from a comprehensive induction and training relevant to your role.
Volunteer in a fun and rewarding environment at the heart of RSPCA South Bucks.
The satisfaction of making a real difference to the welfare of animals.
Reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred while volunteering.

Disclaimer

Our voluntary driving roles are subject to:

An informal interview and trial period.
Submission of two referees’ contact details.
Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.
Online and practical driving assessments, after which you will receive a copy of our volunteer drivers’ handbook.
If you have any concerns or questions, please speak to a member of staff or the volunteer coordinator immediately.

How to apply

If you are interested in this role, we would love to hear from you.

Make sure to include details of your previous driving experience and confirm that you would be able to carry out physically demanding tasks.

Join us and help make a huge difference to the lives of animals in need.

Apply here