Guidelines for Drivers

Guidelines for Drivers

1.  Legal Requirements:

• You need to comply with legal requirements including a valid driving licence and vehicle tax. Seat belts should be used and as you are aware, it is an offence to use a hand held mobile phone when driving or a hands-free phone if it impairs your concentration.

2.  Drivers Insurance:

• You must have motor insurance cover, but companies should not charge you extra for doing volunteer driving. (Please contact us if they try to do so) However, you are advised to inform your Insurance Company of your volunteer work. Further information about individual insurer's requirements can be found on the Association of British Insurers website - www.abi.org.uk.

3.   ID Cards:

• Volunteers are provided with an ID card and these should be worn when you pick up the client so that they can identify you as a Neighbourcare volunteer. You will need to provide a passport size photograph so that a lanyard can be prepared for you.

4.   Paperwork: You will be given a pack of the forms which drivers use:

• An Expenses Claim Form: This pink form is used to record the jobs you have completed and your mileage so that your expenses can be paid to you.
• A Job Record Sheet: This white form is used to record your job details.
• A List of Recommended Charges/Donations from clients.
• Client Receipts: Drivers hold these, but they are rarely needed.
• Brown Envelopes: These are used for client payments.
• Incident forms: These can be used to record any untoward events e.g. a car accident; client fall or injury.
• Hospital Parking Permit.

          Any updates will come from the office

5.  Expenses:

• Volunteers may claim legitimate expenses. The current rate for mileage is 45p per mile.

6.  Client Donations:

• A list of recommended donations is supplied to the client and the driver.
• Travel Vouchers from Rushmoor Borough Council are accepted.
• The volunteer has a supply of brown envelopes for the client to pay the appropriate amount.
• The name of the client and the job number should be written on the envelope.
• The filled envelopes and pink expenses forms should be handed into the office at regular  intervals ( ideally - every 4 -6 weeks). They will be dealt with by the Treasurer.
• It might be helpful to carry some change with you as clients sometimes forget to bring the correct amount.

7. Office Procedure:

• The Office at Devereux Houseis manned Monday to Friday from 10am -12 noon, with an answer phone at other times.
• The client will telephone the office with a requestfor help.
• The Duty officer contacts a volunteer and arranges a time of contact (e.g. pick up time), details of the job and a job number.
• The collection details are relayed to the client, together with the driver's first name - for identification purposes.
• Drivers should feel free to phone the office if you have spare time and would like to do a job.

8.  Arranging  driving jobs:

• All arrangements should be made through the office and not directly with the client. This ensures that all tasks can be logged as Neighbourcare work, with a job  number and are therefore covered by Neighbourcare's insurance.

9.  Confidentiality:

• You should not give your home telephone number or address to clients and generally we do not use surnames. This is to reduce the risk of dependency on you as an individual rather than the group. Please respect any confidential information that you may be given

10.  Working Safely:

• Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced checks are undertaken before a volunteer can start working for Neighbourcare.
• Helping vulnerable clients
  • Clients may have a range of health problems and/or disabilities which will affect them in different ways e.g. hearing, speech or sight impairment, mobility or memory problems. Always ask the client what help they need rather than assume you know.
  • It is good practice to escort the client to and from the car, then into the medical centre and finally back into their home at the end of the journey.
  • If you have any concerns about a client's health or welfare, then discuss with them what action they would like you to take. You may need to contact a relative, doctor or neighbour.  Let a member of the office know of your concerns and they will contact one of the trustees.
• Helping a client in a wheelchair
  • Use a wheelchair provided by the hospital or health centre.
  • Before setting out on a journey, check with the client that they are able to transfer between a wheelchair and your car independently. The office will also have done this. You must NOT lift them - you are not insured to do this.
  • Remember to allow extra time for getting to the appointment.
  • Use pedestrian crossings where possible.
  • To prevent accidents, make sure you are comfortable with the wheelchair. i.e. can push it, know how to use it (brakes, straps, locking mechanism) and that it is in working order (brakes work and tyres are not flat!).
• Lone working: Most Neighbourcare volunteers work on a one to one  basis with  clients and so it is important that you:
  • Comply with the arrangements put in place by Neighbourcare and follow their guidelines.
  • Carry your mobile phone with you.
  • Appreciate the responsibility for your own safety.
  • Report incidents to the Office Co-coordinator.
• Practical Tips - If the client lives on their own, then make sure that:
  • On Collection:
    • The property is left secure
    • They have their keys
    • They have any medication they may need
    • They have their Blue Badge if relevant
  • On Return:
    • See them through the door and make sure they are happy to be left
    • If you have concerns, contact the Office Co-ordinator