Purpose
Transporting participants is an important responsibility and must always be carried out safely, professionally and in accordance with road rules, Tribe policies and participant support plans.
When using your personal vehicle for work, it effectively becomes an extension of the Tribe workplace. Participants and their families should feel safe, comfortable and welcomed every time they enter your vehicle.
What to do
Before transporting a participant, ensure that your vehicle:
Safety
Is registered, roadworthy and appropriately insured.
Has sufficient fuel for the planned support.
Has working seatbelts for every passenger.
Has tyres, lights, mirrors and windscreen in safe working condition.
Has any required child restraints or booster seats fitted correctly (where applicable).
Has adequate space for participant equipment, mobility aids or personal belongings.
Presentation & Cleanliness
Is clean both inside and out.
Is vacuumed and maintained regularly.
Is free from rubbish, food wrappers, coffee cups, drink bottles and unnecessary personal belongings.
Is free from strong odours, including cigarette smoke.
Has clean seats and flooring.
Has spills cleaned promptly.
Is presented in a way that participants and their families would feel comfortable travelling in.
Professional Standards
Ensure your vehicle is free from offensive stickers, slogans, or decorations that may cause discomfort or offence.
Secure loose items that could become hazards during travel.
Ensure participants are wearing their seatbelts correctly before driving.
Follow all road rules and drive defensively.
Advise the office immediately if your vehicle becomes unsafe or breaks down during a shift.
What Not to Do
Drive safely and keep the vehicle safe, clean and legal.
Don't transport participants in a vehicle that is unsafe, damaged or unroadworthy.
Don't smoke or vape in your vehicle before or during a support where the smell may affect participants.
Don't allow rubbish, dirty dishes, food containers or excessive clutter to accumulate.
Don't transport participants in a vehicle with offensive or inappropriate stickers, signs or decorations.
Don't use your mobile phone while driving unless legally permitted using a hands-free system.
Don't transport more passengers than your vehicle is legally permitted to carry.
Don't allow participants to travel without wearing a seatbelt unless there is a documented exemption.
Don't transport participants if you are affected by fatigue, alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair your ability to drive safely.
Remember
Your vehicle is often one of the first impressions participants and their families have of Tribe. A clean, safe and well-maintained vehicle demonstrates professionalism, promotes participant comfort and helps create a positive support experience. Regularly inspect your vehicle to ensure it continues to meet Tribe's expectations for safety, cleanliness and presentation.
Related Guides
Professional Presentation
Community Access
Incident Reporting