The Career of a Senior Bus Driver

Colin Blackadder, Senior Bus Driver across the Randolph Hill Group, is a top 3 finalist for an Ancillary & Support Staff award. This recognises excellence and making a significant contribution to the overall care provision.

Colin, our Senior Bus Driver, recently celebrated 25 years of dedicated service with Randolph Hill. Starting as a carer, he quickly rose to become the group’s first senior carer, driven by his exceptional commitment. His passion for caregiving has spanned many years, volunteering with children with disabilities, as well as individuals with learning difficulties. Colin’s caregiving background enriches his Bus Driver role. With D1 licensing, MIDAS certification, and exceptional care skills, he’s an invaluable asset, ensuring safe, well-planned trips, further demonstrating excellence in his job.

A key competitive advantage at Randolph Hill is our two privately owned accessible buses dedicated to residents’ day trips. The success of the Randolph Hill minibus outings are largely due to Colin and his team of drivers who transform them into dignified, respectful, and joyful experiences.

Colin takes special pride in opening up the outside world and offering an excellent service to residents. Using initiative and continually updating his local knowledge to provide tailored day trips, his efforts are deeply appreciated by residents and their families who nominated Colin for this award. Residents praise Colin’s bus trips, “It gives me more freedom, and an opportunity to socialise. I look forward to it. Colin encourages me to get out and about.”

Manager Mandy praises Colin’s exemplary bus maintenance, keeping them spotless and roadworthy, always pre-empting issues. His meticulous planning ensures the seamless operation of two buses daily across seven homes, maintaining a full schedule of resident trips.

Colin’s commitment is unparalleled and goes beyond professional driving; he has achieved a person-centred programme where every trip is enjoyable and meaningful by understanding the unique needs and preferences of each resident. He not only seeks destination suggestions from residents but also adds personal touches, making them special and inclusive.

Colin’s treats each person with respect, dignity and understanding, further demonstrating his excellence. He takes the time to learn what matters to each individual, allowing him to provide personalised care.

Colin’s engages in conversations about old Edinburgh, and researching history, adding both fun and education to their outings. Colin is instrumental in organising the Elliot Nicol Trophy tournament, where residents travel from all seven homes to compete in games like dominoes and chess. His ability to communicate and plan showcases his dedication to teamwork across the group, in order to enhance residents’ lives.

Being nominated for this award underscores the exemplary management of a bus programme and Colin’s positive impact on residents. Residents summarise “What would we do without him?”