Community Transport Driver  (Casual Contract)

Purpose of the Role

To provide a safe, professional, and reliable community transport service for vulnerable adults, older people, children, young people, and community groups on set routes across Cheshire.
•To ensure all passengers receive a positive, respectful, and supportive experience on every journey.
•To uphold Changing Lives Together (CLT) mission and values while delivering a high quality service.

Key Responsibilities

A. Passenger Care & Customer Service

•Provide a welcoming, caring, and supportive service to all passengers.
•Communicate clearly regarding times of pickups, dropoffs, delays, and journey details.
•Maintain a calm, patient, and empathetic approach at all times, including with vulnerable passengers.
•Support passengers safely on and off the vehicle as required.
•Adapt communication for individuals with additional needs.
•Maintain confidentiality in line with data protection regulations and CLT policies.
•Wear approved CLT uniform
•Uphold CLT’s values, conduct, and ethos.

Driving & Safety

•Drive safely, responsibly, and legally at all times.
•Follow all UK road laws and the Highway Code.
•Complete a full Your Bus Vehicle Walkaround Check before each shift.
•Record all checks on the official CLT Vehicle Safety Check forms and submit to admin before the journey.
•Report all defects immediately and never operate an unsafe vehicle.
•Adjust driving style for weather, traffic, and passenger comfort.
•Avoid harsh braking, rapid acceleration, or aggressive manoeuvres.
•Never use a mobile phone while driving.
•Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medication.
•Maintain concentration and avoid distractions.
•Adhere to the designated routes and schedules at all times, and ensure that any delays, including their causes, are reported to the office without delay.
•Conduct headcounts at every stop during group or community hires.
•Ensure vehicles are kept clean, tidy, and free from hazards.
•Remove rubbish at the end of each shift.
•Ensure sufficient fuel levels for the next driver unless instructed otherwise.

Accessibility & Passenger Safety

•Ensure all passengers are seated and wearing seatbelts before moving.
•Provide safe assistance to passengers with mobility issues, disabilities, or additional support needs.
•Correctly use and secure ramps, lifts, and wheelchair restraints according to CLT procedures.
•Secure wheelchairs using approved CLT tie down systems.
•Never leave passengers unattended inside the vehicle.
•Allow extra time for boarding and disembarking.
D. Safeguarding & Professional Standards
•Follow CLT safeguarding policies at all times.
•Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
•Maintain professional boundaries with all passengers.
•Protect sensitive information and uphold confidentiality.

Operational Duties

•Follow scheduled routes or instructions from the Community Transport Operations Manager.
•Complete all required paperwork, including:
o Mileage logs
o Timesheets
o Incident/near miss reports
o Vehicle safety check forms
o Passenger membership forms
•Handle card and cash payments securely and record transactions accurately when required.
•Report hazards, incidents, damage, breakdowns, or near misses immediately to admin or the Head of Community Transport.

Emergency Preparedness

•Know the location and correct use of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency exits.
•Follow CLT procedures during breakdowns, collisions, or medical emergencies.
•Respond calmly and appropriately during emergency situations.

Teamwork & Development

•Work collaboratively with colleagues and the wider CLT team.
•Attend required meetings, briefings, and mandatory training sessions.
•Participate in ongoing development, refresher training, and skills updates.
•Support continuous improvement of the service.

Additional Requirements

•Flexibility to meet the daily needs of the community transport service.
•Undertake additional duties consistent with the role as required.