Easy-go CT (Stockport) was formed in 2007 as the result of a merger between Easy-Go Travel and Stockport Community Transport. Both were registered charities operating fleets of accessible minibuses based in the Stockport area (Hazel Grove). However, whilst Easy-Go specialised in transporting individuals, usually in wheelchairs, Stockport Community Transport’s clients tended to be larger groups.
It was decided to merge the two charities as it was becoming increasingly difficult to run small charities on limited resources, but more importantly because the two organisations had common purposes and a shared ethos.
Charity registered number: 1142212
Company no: 03285361
The Management Committee
The Management Committee are the Trustees of easy-go CT and provide the strategic future direction of the organisation as well as the oversight to ensure that we are operating correctly and satisfactorily. It also sets membership and mileage costs taking into account future costs and the possibility of grants.
The Committee is made up of individuals who give up their time voluntarily, and include representatives of users and/or their carers. Others have been co-opted or seconded in order to ensure that the Committee has a well balanced set of skills and experience.
It meets once per month and there are also ad hoc sub-committees which meet as required.
Although we are a charity, the Management Committee is well aware that it must act professionally to ensure the future well being of easy-go CT, and that it operates within all relevant rules and regulations as well as the law of the land.
To that end, specialist companies have been commissioned to provide us with professional advice and guidance in the areas of finance, employment law and health & safety.
Chris Burgess is the Chair of the Management Committee and she can be contacted through the office.
The Office
Easy-go CT potentially provides a service 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
To keep this operation going, we have 3 paid employees who keep our office open 9 – 5, Monday to Friday.
Our friendly staff are available to take bookings on 0161 419 3580 and they are also able to contact the drivers if there are any last minute alterations to bookings, or cancellations.
The manager is Chris Bennett and he is responsible for keeping the entire operation going. This ranges from ensuring that the fleet is serviced and maintained to bidding for new contracts and grants. If you want a quote for a regular journey or a one-off trip, ask to speak to Chris and he will do his best to meet your requirements.
Our Drivers
We have 10 paid drivers who work on either a full or part time basis.
All have undertaken MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) training, which is a national scheme to enhance the driving and passenger awareness skills of minibus drivers. Although it is not a legal requirement to have MiDAS to drive a minibus, it is increasingly being accepted as good practice, and most organisations operating minibuses insist on their drivers holding a MiDAS Certificate. In addition, all have had their driving assessed by Stockport MBC, to ensure that they are safe and competent drivers and have been CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked.
We are in the process of rolling out First Aid training for our drivers and also Safeguard, which is awareness training in child protection and is provided by Stockport MBC
The number of paid drivers is supplemented by volunteer drivers, who whilst unpaid, are just as professional and have undertaken the same training, checks and assessments as their paid colleagues.
Our Volunteers
Our existing volunteers are very valuable to us and we would welcome additional volunteers willing to donate their time, skills and experience to help us to continue providing our transport service to the disabled and disadvantaged residents of Stockport.
Volunteering opportunities are usually advertised via Anchorpoint Stockport and can be found on the website www.do-it.org.uk. Or ring the office on 0161 419 3580 and speak to Chris.
As well as driving or a passenger assistant we also need volunteers to serve on the Management Committee.
(this website has been designed and created by a volunteer).
