Community Transport Driver

Runnymede Borough Council; Chertsey; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days annual leave

Excellent pension scheme

Free parking

Training and development opportunities

Professional membership paid per annum

Cycle to work + discounts

Season ticket loan

Health insurance plan after 1 year / D

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Mileage allowance (RBC2)

Job summary

Runnymede Borough Council is seeking a compassionate Community Transport Driver to deliver a safe, reliable and caring transport service for older residents and others with mobility needs.

You will drive accessible minibuses, assist passengers, follow schedules, carry out vehicle checks, maintain records and contribute to safeguarding and customer service, with training opportunities and a supportive team in a shared service with Surrey Heath.

Qualifications

• Full UK Driving License with D1 entitlement (essential requirement).
• First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain; willingness to undertake further training including manual handling.
• Experience delivering excellent customer service to diverse service users.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and follow schedules and procedures.
• Experience with older people or in a community service environments is advantageous.
• Experience driving larger vehicles such as minibuses or vans is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport passengers using accessible minibuses.
• Assist passengers boarding and alighting with dignity and respect.
• Follow daily schedules and routes to ensure efficient journeys.
• Carry out routine vehicle safety checks and report defects.
• Maintain vehicle records including mileage and fuel usage.
• Monitor passenger wellbeing and report safeguarding or welfare concerns.
• Communicate journey updates with the Community Transport team.
• Keep vehicles clean and ready for service.
• Support induction and training of new drivers.
• Provide occasional support to Meals at Home and emergency response if needed.

Skills

D1 entitlement

First Aid

Customer service

Independent work

Time management

Experience with older people

Large vehicle driving

Reliability

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Runnymede and Surrey Heath Borough Council Community Services Partnership as we continue our positive work supporting residents to remain independent, connected and active within their communities. As the Community Transport Driver, you will play a vital role in delivering a safe, reliable and caring transport service for older people, residents with mobility difficulties and other members of the community who rely on accessible transport. The Community Transport Driver will help ensure passengers can access appointments, social activities and essential services, making a real difference to their quality of life every day.

• Safely transport passengers using fully accessible community transport minibuses.
• Assist passengers boarding and leaving vehicles with patience, dignity and respect.
• Follow daily schedules and planned routes, ensuring journeys are completed efficiently.
• Carry out routine vehicle safety checks and report any defects or concerns.
• Maintain accurate vehicle records including mileage and fuel usage.
• Monitor passenger wellbeing and report any safeguarding or welfare concerns.
• Communicate effectively with the Community Transport team regarding journey updates and service issues.
• Ensure vehicles remain clean, presentable and ready for service.
• Support and assist in the induction and training of new drivers where required.
• Provide occasional support to the Meals at Home service and assist during emergency response situations if needed.

As part of an important shared service between Runnymede Borough Council and Surrey Heath Borough Council, you will be helping to strengthen community transport provision across both boroughs and support the continued development of these valued frontline services.

We are looking for a compassionate and reliable individual to join our team who can provide a high-quality, customer-focused transport service for local residents. We are looking for exceptional candidates with a range of skills including, Full UK Driving License with D1 entitlement (this is an essential requirement - please do not apply if you do not have D1 entitlement) and eligibility to drive Council vehicles.

• First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain), together with a willingness to undertake further training including manual handling.
• Understanding of the responsibilities involved in safely transporting vulnerable passengers and reporting safeguarding concerns.
• Experience of delivering excellent customer service and communicating effectively with a diverse range of service users.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and follow schedules and procedures accurately.
• Experience of working with older people, people with additional needs, or in a community service environment would be advantageous.
• Experience of driving larger vehicles such as minibuses or vans would be desirable.
• Demonstrable reliability, professionalism and sound judgement in a frontline service role.

Runnymede is an ambitious, passionate, and progressive council with a forward- thinking attitude and award-winning departments. As a Borough Council, we are committed to our core values which we demonstrate through our ongoing policies and projects. We continually strive to improve our services and welcome innovative and proactive individuals who are open minded and have a positive approach in supporting our vision.

From March 2027, Runnymede Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey Unitary Council as part of the Local Government Reorganisation across Surrey. West Surrey will bring together the full range of local government services under one organisation, creating simpler, more efficient and more responsive services for our communities. As one of the largest unitary authorities in the country, West Surrey will serve a diverse population across a region with a strong economy, vibrant communities, and significant opportunities for growth and innovation. The scale and variety of our work will provide a wide range of career pathways, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to shaping an ambitious, modern, resident-focused council. It is an exciting time to join us as we build West Surrey together. Runnymede Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults with care support needs and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You may be requested to present your identification at the interview stage and there will be several checks conducted during the onboarding process inclusive of an enhanced DBS check for specified roles.

All applications are handled in compliance with our

• 29 Days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Excellent Pension Scheme
• Free Parking
• Training and development opportunities
• Payment of one professional membership per annum
• Cycle to work + further related discounts
• Season ticket loan
• Health insurance plan after 1 years' service / Dental after 3 years' service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Mileage allowance, RBC2 (£18,600 - £20,330 per annum for 25 hours per week).