Your role will be instrumental in helping us raise funds for our cause and make a difference in the lives of those in need in our community. Your help will be greatly appreciated, and you will be a valued member of our team. Our vans are usually based at Caritas House in Collyhurst, Manchester (where there is access to parking) but you'll do regular collections from donor businesses to our services in Hulme and Collyhurst, Manchester and Bury. Increasingly we're receiving offers of support from across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, but most are within a 45-minute journey of the centre of Manchester.
Why we want you
As a volunteer member of our team, you will play a crucial role in connecting Caritas Salford with individuals and businesses who support our work by donating food or other items to us, as well as to those in need of essential support. Collecting donations on a regular basis and delivering them to various locations such as Caritas services, other charities, and places in need, you will not only support by driving our van but also represent our organisation and interact with donors and supporters while working alongside other volunteers to load and unload the van for deliveries and collections.
What you will be doing

As a volunteer for Caritas Salford, you will be promoting our mission to support people experiencing crisis and disadvantage.
Regularly collecting donated food and goods. Specifically, you will be responsible for early pick-up from Costco, which provides food for one of our services, Cornerstone. Additionally, you will be responsible for weekly pickups from supermarkets around Manchester.
Checking our vehicles before and after use to ensure they are safe and clean to use, refuelling the van, and reporting any issues or faults, recording mileage.
Assist in keeping records of where donations have been received from and delivered to which may include access to personal data.
Reporting any incidents, accidents, or near incidents to the appropriate person.
Safeguarding people and supporting them with discretion is central to our work.
You will need to understand our policies to keep people safe and undertake some training as part of the role.

The skills you need

This role would be ideal for an individual who is outgoing, friendly, and able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, aligning with the values of Caritas
Must possess a standard driving license and clean driving record.
Should be comfortable driving a medium-sized van (preferably with two years of driving experience)
Should have good map-reading skills and proficiency in using a Sat Nav system
Able to handle physical tasks, including lifting and loading
Adaptable as routes and drop-off points may vary due to unpredictable surplus management.

What's in it for you

The opportunity to gain valuable transportation experience and learn new skills
The satisfaction of knowing that you are making a positive impact on the lives of those in need in your community
A chance to meet new people and be a part of a supportive team
Opportunities for training and development