FAQs for volunteer drivers
How many journeys will I be asked to undertake in a week?
You do as many or as few as you can. Some of our drivers only do occasional journeys (say one a week or one every two weeks). Others do five or more journeys per week. You can also take days or weeks off by indicating in the computer system that you are unavailable on particular days. Some drivers also only take bookings on certain days per week (for example Mondays and Wednesdays).
Will I be expected to lift wheelchairs or help clients who have mobility problems?
Only drivers who have agreed they can deal with wheelchairs and have space in their boot to accommodate them will be asked to undertake such journeys. You will always know before accepting a drive whether the passenger has a wheelchair or requires a steadying hand. We do not lift our passengers up or carry them into the hospital.
What if a client becomes ill en route?
Do as you normally would if a friend or member of your family was affected; stop safely, then act accordingly using your best judgment.
What if a client asks me to undertake tasks not originally included?
It depends what is asked. You will be best placed to judge but in general do not agree to undertake future journeys – everything must be booked through the Co-ordinator. Do not do anything that you are not fully insured to do, such as anything that involves general caring duties. It is also not recommended that you get involved with a client’s property or money. However, if you are asked to stop off at the chemist to pick up a prescription on the way home, then there is no reason not to do so if it is acceptable to you. Do nothing that puts the client or yourself at risk.
What about parking?
The rules concerning parking vary depending on the site you are visiting. It is best to make sure you know in advance the parking arrangements at your destination. We will provide you with the latest information about parking at most of our destinations. We provide you with yellow 'volunteer driver' permits which will allow you to park for free at several hospitals in the area (including Basingstoke, Winchester, Andover and Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford). If necessary, you can talk in detail with a Co-ordinator to ensure you observe the parking regulations.
How much can I claim for my travel costs?
Currently we reimburse drivers 45p/mile for the miles travelled from your home to the passenger's home (or wherever you pick the passenger up); from the pick-up point to the destination and back to wherever you drop the passenger off, and then back from the drop-off point to your home. The rate we pay is the maximum allowable by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, if we paid a higher rate this would make the whole amount liable to income tax.
If I receive a parking fine when undertaking work for Alton Community Care will Alton Community Care pay for this?
The responsibility is on the driver to park carefully observing regulations as normal in the same way as observing all driving regulations. Fines received while on Alton Community Care duties are your own responsibility. However, if you think that a specific hospital has fined you unreasonably, or made parking especially difficult, please let a Co-ordinator know, and we can take the matter up with the hospital parking department.
I have heard about something called the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS – formerly known as Criminal Records Bureau) check before undertaking voluntary work. Is that essential?
The DBS check is a standard requirement for anyone undertaking voluntary work with vulnerable persons. It is nothing to worry about unless your personal history suggests you might pose a threat to our clients. It identifies anyone with a criminal record, but the results are treated in total confidence and are reported only to our DBS Checker. A conviction in the dim and distant past certainly does not mean you cannot help us.