We are looking for volunteer Drivers to help our registered charity transport blood and urgent medical supplies throughout the North East of England, from Berwick in the North to Darlington in the South and between the Eastern coast to the Cumbria border.  The charity is run entirely by volunteers who undertake all our tasks. We are normally operational outside of standard office hours working from 19:00 in the evening until 07:00 in the morning during the week, and at weekends we cover from 19:00 on Friday until 07:00 on Monday (or the next working day after that on Bank Holidays).  You will drive a liveried NBB vehicle while performing NBB duties, you will need your own transport to get to, and from, the NBB base (there will be one near you) where the NBB vehicle is kept.

As a Driver, you can perform a wide variety of tasks. Throughout the year, you will be very active, transporting goods between the hospitals, and working with fellow volunteers to deliver an operational service. In the winter months, during low temperatures, the healthcare regulations prevent the carrying certain blood products by motorcycle so our car drivers ensure continuity of service. 

Throughout  the year, we undertake a huge number of other events which often need a blood car or our dedicated events van to attend. 

Whilst the majority of operational work is outside of office hours, there is plenty of work to be done in more normal hours, often on weekdays and at weekends. You will work very closely with an NBB Shift Controller, or other call handling service as appropriate, and use online technology to record your activities.

Duties

You will:

  • Transport blood and other urgent medical supplies between NHS premises outside of normal hours.
  • Complete annual driving assessments with our Training Officer.
  • Undertake any other training as may be required to perform safely.
  • Drive at all times portraying a professional image of the charity.
  • Undertake fundraising and publicity activities as you are able to with a car or our dedicated events vehicles.

Requirements

You must:

  • Be aged 25 or over
  • Have held a full driving licence for 2 years or more.
  • Have a driving history (accidents, claims, legal) that is acceptable to our insurers.
  • Have a suitable location to park the car at home for times on duty, or you must work from one of our bases while on shift.
  • Have a current recognised advanced driving certificate from the Institute of Advanced Motorists or ROSPA*.  Other professional riding qualifications such as Police or Ambulance, DSA Instructor or emergency services equivalent will be considered but must have been passed or re-assessed within 3 years prior to driving for NBB.
  • Commit to a minimum of 2 shifts per month (overnight or weekend days) within our operational hours as above.

You can find out more from our FAQ or, to join, fill in our membership form 

*If you do not currently have an advanced driving certificate, don't let that stop you. You can join now, and train through one of our local IAM / RoSPA groups to get through the advanced test,   We are currently able to offer financial assistance with the cost of obtaining your advanced driving certificate.  Once you have your advanced driving certificate we will complete other steps to get you driving for NBB as quickly as possible.