JOB DESCRIPTION COMMUNITY TRANSPORT DRIVER Responsible to: Liaise with: Hours of work: 7.00am 11.00pm Assistant Head of Community Transport Unit (CTU) Service users, CTU staff, Dial-A-Ride staff, local authorities, community and voluntary organisations and groups Shift work, over a 7 day week, between the hours of Introduction HCT Group was founded in 1982 to provide local transport options for people unable to use or access mainstream public transport. HCT Group is a rapidly expanding organisation and this growth is part of our overall strategy. HCT Group also aims to provide quality employment opportunities for local people as well as a diverse range of transport services. We continually strive to provide new and innovative solutions to the mobility barriers that people face. Our Community Group Transport service provides low cost, safe, clean and fully accessible minibuses for voluntary, community and not for profit organisations, groups and clubs located within the London Boroughs that we operate in. Our fleet of minibuses can be used for travel anywhere within the UK from our depots in Hackney and Haringey. Vehicles can be booked with or without a driver for as little as a few hours or as long as a few weeks and are available to any groups that join our Community Group Transport Service.
Role The Driver will be responsible for: Driving a range of standard and fully accessible minibuses on behalf of registered user groups according to specified scheduled bookings as directed by a member of Community Transport Unit (CTU). The vehicle and the safety and security of passengers at all times. Cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of the vehicle whilst in their charge. Maintaining the positive image of HCT Group with clients. Assisting passengers on/off the vehicle and operating the vehicle s passenger lift safely, according to instructions delivered in the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) training and our approved risk assessments. Liaising with CTU staff to maximise availability for work and ensuring that appointments are scheduled, diarised and kept at all times. Reporting issues of vehicle damage, hazards and risks, cleanliness concern or relevance to the CTU staff as soon as possible. Following all of the policies and procedures outlined in the HCT Group Driver Handbook. Adhering to the Highway Code and being personally responsible for any traffic and parking violations whilst in charge of the vehicle. Any other driving duties consistent with post as requested by a member of the team.
Main Duties and Responsibilities Equality 1. Adherence to HCT Group s Equal Opportunities Policy at all times. Driving Duties / Coordination 2. The carrying out of driving duties for / with Group Transport Registered member groups within specified timescales as shown on the relevant vehicle log sheet documentation and/or as directed by a member of the CTU. 3. The planning of a route between each delivery/collection to meet the pre-determined delivery times allocated. 4. Contacting CTU staff if there are any delays, incidents or issues or if any problems arise with the timing / schedule at the earliest possible opportunity. 5. Ensuring that the vehicle is clean (externally and internally), fuelled, the seating configuration is fit for purpose and the relevant vehicle, mechanical and equipment checks have been carried out and been completed on the relevant paperwork prior to the vehicle leaving the depot. 6. Adhering to the HCT Group Driver Handbook in respect of accident and breakdown procedures, whilst keeping CTU staff fully informed at all times. Paperwork Other 7. Responsible for ensuring all vehicle log sheets are completed fully and filed appropriately. Also ensuring that a vehicle check sheet is completed before leaving the depot at the start of each day and on return to the depot the sheet to CTU at the end of the shift. 8. To remove and replace seating in vehicles, give vehicles a sweep and polish, drive them through the bus wash when requested by a member of CTU staff. 9. Responsibility for the ScootAbility mobile telephone, which is to be collected at the start of every shift and returned at the end of the day with van keys and paperwork. 10. To adhere to all the processes and procedures as outlined in the HCT Group Driver s Handbook.
11. To undertake any other jobs consistent with Community Transport. 12. To undertake any other driving duties (passenger or non-passenger) within the allocated shift pattern as and when instructed by a member of CTU.
13. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Criteria 1. Willingness and demonstrate ability to comply with HCT s Equal Opportunities Policy 2. Have held UK manual car licence (preferably no points) for a minimum 2 year period and have significant driving experience 3. D1 licence 4. An awareness and understanding of the needs of older and disabled people 5. Experience of planning routes 6. Ability to communicate effectively in person, be telephone or in writing with a wide range of people including service users, CTU staff, Transport For London staff, local authority staff and members of the public 7. A courteous, polite and professional manner 8. Ability to work alone 9. Must pass an enhanced Criminal Record Bureau check (formerly known as CRB now known as DBS) Desirable Criteria (training will be provided) 1. Experience of multi drop work 2. Basic geographical knowledge of local areas with North and East London 3. Experience of working with older, vulnerable and disabled people 4. Experience of using wheelchair accessible vehicles