Sessional Van Driver (6209)

The Children's Society; Washington; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension matching up to 8%

Free counselling

Free parking

Job summary

The Children's Society is seeking a van driver on a fixed term contract until October 2027 (with potential extension) to service 11 shops across a North East cluster. The role requires zero hours flexibility and shifts that vary weekly.

A brand new van is provided and a pension match up to 8% plus supportive wellbeing benefits are offered. Based at Washington, you will lift and transport bags to and from shops, plan efficient routes, and maintain accurate paperwork while delivering excellent

Qualifications

• A clean driving licence and van driving experience are essential.
• Ability to plan efficient delivery routes and manage time effectively.
• Excellent customer service and punctuality are required.
• Ability to complete paperwork as required and work well with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Drive a van to service 11 shops in the North East cluster.
• Lifting and carrying bags from the van into shops and back.
• Plan routes, ensure deliveries and collections are carried out efficiently.
• Maintain vehicle checks and support safety procedures.

Skills

Clean driving licence

Van driving experience

Route planning

Work independently

Paperwork handling

Punctual & Reliable

Customer service

Team communication

Job description

Fixed Term Contract until October 2027, with possible extension

Zero hours contract which can vary weekly dependent on business need. Flexible hours. Also to cover holidays of other van driver

£12.71 per hour

Location: Based at Washington but to service 11 shops in a cluster in the North East. Brand new van provided.

Benefits include but not limited to:

• We match up to 8% pension
• Free counselling service
• Free parking if applicable

About us:

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need.

We run over 100 retail shops covering the whole of the UK - every one of these shops play a vital role in our mission to providing support to children and young adults. Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.

About the role:

This role sits within our Retail Domain, which transforms donated goods into vital income to support young people across the UK.

We're looking for a driver that has experience of driving a van and who is able to lift and carry bags from the van into a shop and vice versa.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• A clean driving licence and van driving experience.
• Good knowledge of local areas and ability to route plan efficient delivery and collection
• Able to work on own and plan routes.
• Ability to complete paperwork as required.
• Punctual & Reliable
• Excellent people skills & customer service.
• Able to communicate well and work as part of a team.

Advantageous Skills & Competencies:

• Experience working in a charity retail environment.
• Experience of working with volunteers
• Manual handling understanding and experience
• Vehicle checks and maintenance awareness

Closing date:

Midnight on21 st September 2026

Interviews:

Interview date yet to be confirmed

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 2 years of references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.

In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details.

AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You're welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matters.