School minibus driver

(1) About ECT

• Ealing Community Transport (ECT) has been providing safe, accessible and affordable community transport for communities since 1979. Our instantly recognisable green minibuses can be spotted throughout Ealing!
• ECT is also dedicated to supporting and enabling independent living, reducing isolation and encouraging social interaction, especially for vulnerable people (such as older or disabled people or those with mobility difficulties who struggle to leave their homes). We also provide group transport to local voluntary, community and social groups.
• ECT is part of ECT Charity, a nationally-recognised social enterprise that creates social value through its charitable activities.
• ECT is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome all applicants and are happy to make reasonable adjustments during the selection process (and if a position is offered, in employment) if required.
• ECT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and any vulnerable person using our services. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow safer recruitment practices which are outlined in further detail in our Safeguarding Adults at Risk and Protecting People Policy.

• Our School Minibus Drivers provide home-to-school transport for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Our drivers act with the utmost level of professionalism, care and compassion to ensure that passengers have a safe and enjoyable journey.
• Drivers also undertake routine administration tasks (e.g. recording mileage, cancellations etc.) and are provided with full training on the technical skills required. Further detail on School Minibus Drivers’ key tasks are provided below.

• Collect passengers from home address or other specified pick up point and transport them safely to their destination.
• Provide a door-to-door service and assist passengers to and from the minibus.
• Ensure the passenger is safely at their destination (depending on passenger, this may include checking others are present, and/or confirming return arrangements).
• Prior to driving, ensure all passengers are safe and secure in the vehicle and that safety requirements are complied with (e.g. seatbelts or wheelchair restraints). Where appropriate, this will involve working with a Passenger Assistant, whose focus is on the behaviour and safety of the passengers.
• Conduct vehicle defect checks and record appropriately.
• Complete required paperwork with regard to passenger lists, mileage records etc. including feedback.
• Read emails, safety notices, updates, etc. provided to keep all staff up-to-date.
• Attend and contribute at team meetings.
• Undertake all other reasonable duties as delegated to them by the operations team.

4.1 All drivers must:

• hold a full UK driving licence, including D1 or D1 101 category (please note that we cannot accept drivers with more than 6 penalty points or with previous drink driving convictions);
• be over 21 years old;
• have extensive driving experience (as part of a previous role or otherwise) and the ability to plan routes;
• be committed to high levels of customer care and be caring and sympathetic;
• be able to get on with people from all backgrounds (e.g. people from all ethnic and religious groups, people of both sexes, people with disabilities) politely and sensitively;
• be reliable, conscientious and punctual;
• be physically capable of undertaking manual handling activities (e.g. assisting wheelchair users);
• have their own mobile phone and ability to access to email on a daily basis;
• be able to read, understand and follow written instructions;
• have excellent verbal communication skills;
• be able to accurately record basic information (e.g. mileage records and fares collected); and
• be smart and presentable.

4.2 Whilst it is not required, it is desirable if drivers have:

• familiarity with local area; and/or
• flexibility with regard to shift patterns.

4.3 We welcome applicants with no previous experience in similar roles as full training will be provided.

This paragraph 5 provides a brief guide on the terms of engagement. If we decide to proceed with…