The drivers are at the business end of the organisation.
They deliver our service. We pay their expenses but they give their time freely. If you have a car and a few hours to spare, you could be one of them.
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Our Coordinators provide the vital link between clients and drivers.
They work in their own homes matching available drivers to requested journeys. We make sure they are compensated for the use of their phones and homes.
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I drive a Mini, can I still drive for car link?
Yes, our drivers own a variety of vehicles, from a smart car to four wheel drives. The coordinator will tell you if there are any special requirements and if you can’t fit it in, you tell them and they will find someone else.
Do I have to set aside special time for Car Link?
No the coordinator will offer you jobs on the days you are available. It is up to you to decide whether to take it or not. If you have other commitments, you just say no thank you. You really can fit it in around your daily life.
How much notice will I get?
We ask our clients to give us at least two days notice when they need a car. This means that we can normally give you at least a day. Normally it is longer than that, sometimes up to a month. Don’t forget you can always say no.
What if I accept a job but later find that I can’t do it?
You phone the Coordinator and pass the job back. They will re-allocate it. Please give as much notice as you can.
You say you pay expenses, will that really cover my costs?
We pay 50 pence per mile i.e. 45p + 5p as carrying a passenger, for the full journey from your home and back to your home. That is the maximum allowed as expenses by HMRC. It will cover your fuel costs and a portion of your tax insurance and other running costs.
I only have a few hours to spare, I couldn’t do hospital journeys.
A lot of our journeys are around town. Taking people to doctor’s appointments, dentists, opticians etc. Don’t forget, you choose what jobs to take.
Do I need special insurance?
No as long as you are only paid expenses your standard “Social Domestic and Pleasure purposes” insurance will cover it. We advise our drivers to inform their insurance company but they will not increase your premium.
How often will I work?
We try to make sure that you only work one week in four.
Do I have to go into the office when I’m working?
No, we don’t have an office. You can do the job from anywhere with a phone line. You could work from your bed if that’s what you choose.
What hours will I work?
Whatever hours you like. As long as the calls get cleared and the clients are matched up with drivers, we don’t mind when you do it.
Do I need to be computer literate.
You will need to use a computer, which we provide, but you will get training to use it.
Who pays for my phone calls?
We pay you a fixed sum to cover the use of your phone for the week and a portion of your line rental. We recommend that you move to an “Anytime” tariff. We provide a mobile phone for you to collect calls. You can also use this for calls and texts to drivers.
Do I get any say in what weeks I work?
Yes, of course you do. If there are weeks that you cannot do just let us know and we’ll arrange the rota to ensure that your duties are convenient for you.
Getting the People of Gillingham Out and About
To book a journey or register with us as a client, call 07599 311443.
If you need to contact the Car Link for any other reason, please email one of the following as appropriate:
chairman@gillinghamcarlink.org.uk
secretary@gillinghamcarlink.org.uk
treasurer@gillinghamcarlink.org.uk
recruitment@gillinghamcarlink.org.uk
Gillingham Area Voluntary Car Link Scheme
Registered Charity Number: 1138732
c/o – Firle House, Dolphin Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4HQ
Gillingham Car Link Web Site developed by Tony Phipps @ Through the Line. Hosting kindly provided by Web Hosting UK