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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Driving and Escorting Policy

1. Purpose

{{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant transportation of people we support, employees, and authorised personnel while delivering domiciliary care services. This policy outlines how we manage driving and escorting duties to uphold the highest standards of safety, care, and legal compliance in accordance with the latest Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations.

This policy aims to:

• Ensure that all driving and escorting activities prioritise the safety and well-being of people we support and employees.
• Provide clear guidance for staff on their responsibilities when driving or escorting people we support.
• Minimise risks associated with transportation.
• Comply with relevant laws and regulations regarding road safety and safeguarding.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, and third-party contractors who drive or escort people we support as part of their duties for {{org_field_name}}. It includes the use of:

• Company-owned vehicles.
• Employee-owned vehicles used for work purposes (grey fleet).
• Third-party transport services contracted by {{org_field_name}}.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is guided by:

• The Road Traffic Act 1988 – Covers road safety laws, vehicle insurance, and driver responsibilities.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Employer responsibilities for staff using vehicles for work.
• Care Inspectorate Quality Framework – Ensures safe and person-centred transport services.
• SSSC Codes of Practice for Employers and Social Service Workers – Sets professional standards for safety and care[10 source].
• Equality Act 2010 – Ensures transport arrangements are accessible and do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.
• The Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 – Covers safeguarding when transporting vulnerable individuals.

4. Responsibilities of Drivers

Employees who drive on behalf of {{org_field_name}} must:

• Hold a valid UK driving licence appropriate for the class of vehicle being used.
• Have the necessary business insurance if using their personal vehicle.
• Conduct a daily vehicle check to ensure roadworthiness.
• Follow all road traffic laws and speed limits.
• Ensure passengers are securely seated and wearing seatbelts.
• Follow procedures in case of an accident or emergency.
• Refrain from using mobile phones while driving unless through a hands-free system.
• Report any medical conditions that may affect their driving capability.

5. Vehicle Standards and Maintenance

All vehicles used for transporting people we support must:

• Be roadworthy, regularly maintained, and hold a valid MOT certificate.
• Be insured for business use.
• Be equipped with necessary safety features, including seat belts, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.
• Be cleaned and sanitised regularly, particularly after transporting individuals who may be vulnerable to infections.
• Have up-to-date tax and insurance documentation.

6. Escorting People We Support

When escorting people we support, staff must:

• Treat individuals with dignity and respect at all times.
• Ensure people we support feel comfortable and secure during transportation.
• Provide physical or emotional support where necessary.
• Follow risk assessments for individuals requiring assistance with mobility.
• Ensure wheelchairs, walking aids, or other mobility devices are securely stored.
• Communicate effectively with people we support to explain journey details and reassure them.
• Follow procedures if a person becomes unwell or distressed during transit.

7. Safeguarding and Risk Management

To protect people we support, our procedures include:

• Conducting risk assessments for each individual before transport.
• Ensuring drivers and escorts have undergone PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme checks.
• Providing training in safeguarding, de-escalation techniques, and first aid.
• Implementing emergency response protocols, including what to do in case of accidents or unexpected incidents.

8. Incident and Accident Reporting

All employees must report any driving-related incidents, including:

• Road traffic accidents, no matter how minor.
• Mechanical failures or vehicle safety concerns.
• Health-related issues affecting their ability to drive.
• Complaints or concerns raised by people we support regarding transport.

Incidents must be recorded in accordance with {{org_field_name}}’s accident and incident reporting procedures.

9. Use of Personal Vehicles (Grey Fleet)

Employees using their own vehicles for work purposes must:

• Hold a valid driving licence and appropriate insurance covering business use.
• Ensure their vehicle is taxed, roadworthy, and has a valid MOT certificate.
• Follow the same safety and maintenance standards as company-owned vehicles.
• Submit relevant documentation to management annually for verification.

10. Fuel Management and Eco-Friendly Driving

To promote sustainability and efficiency, {{org_field_name}} encourages:

• The use of fuel-efficient vehicles where possible.
• Carpooling or route optimisation to reduce unnecessary journeys.
• Using electric or hybrid vehicles where feasible.
• Avoiding excessive idling and promoting eco-friendly driving techniques.

11. Training and Competency

All employees involved in driving and escorting will receive training on:

• Road safety and defensive driving techniques.
• Transporting people with mobility issues and disabilities.
• Emergency response procedures.
• Safeguarding and handling distressing situations during transport.
• Fuel-efficient driving methods.

Training records will be maintained, and refresher courses provided as necessary.

12. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

To ensure compliance and efficiency, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Conduct regular audits of driving and escorting practices.
• Seek feedback from people we support regarding their transport experiences.
• Monitor accident and incident reports to identify areas for improvement.
• Update this policy in response to regulatory changes and best practices.

13. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Health and Safety Policy
• Lone Working Policy
• Infection Control Policy
• Safeguarding Policy
• Staff Training and Development Policy

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if regulatory requirements change. Updates will be communicated to all employees to ensure ongoing compliance and safe transport practices.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.