Buggy Driver

Why does English Heritage need my support?

Many of our sites have vast grounds, which can be difficult for visitors to access without support. Our buggies are available to take visitors around our sites, give guided tours and provide a shuttle service. Our Buggy Drivers are there to offer this transport whilst providing a warm and friendly welcome.

What will I be doing?

• Making sure that the buggy is clean and safe to drive by carrying out a driver’s daily checklist and giving the vehicle a clean at the end of your shift
• Driving the buggy around the designated route 
• Inspiring visitors with stories about the history of the site and the various features of the garden
• Helping visitors orientate themselves around the site and provide recommendations of interesting parts of the garden to explore
• Keeping an eye on the site to ensure visitors are enjoying the garden in a safe and responsible manner and reporting any issues to the site supervisor
• You might also be asked to provide ad hoc support to the Visitor Operations, Hospitality and Events staff as required. This could range from transporting guests around the site through to conducting the evening sweep (checking and closing garden buildings) to ensure all visitors have left.

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?           

• Driving Licence
• Practical experience driving a similar type of shuttle or golf cart vehicle is desirable but not essential  
• Shuttle Drivers will need to be confident engaging with the public and enjoy chatting to visitors throughout the day

What support and training will I receive?

• Welcome to English Heritage - National Induction
• Site and a role Induction with the volunteer manager
• Full training and support in operating the shuttle

What will English Heritage expect from me?

• To be the friendly face of English Heritage and deliver excellent customer service
• To be reliable in attendance and dependable
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties
• To wear English Heritage volunteer uniform where provided
• Help us protect our properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of English Heritage
• Observe organisational policy and procedures
• Safeguard confidential information about English Heritage and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of English Heritage that you think might be controversial
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of English Heritage (unless otherwise agreed in writing).

What can I expect from English Heritage?

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience
• To be treated fairly and with respect
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution
• A full induction and training programme with on-going support
• Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs between home and volunteering location within agreed limits
• A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for English Heritage is available on request to show future employers or further education providers
• You will be covered by English Heritage’s own indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer.