The whole application process can take around 8-10 weeks to complete. This is because the volunteer manager will need to meet with you, verify your identification, send and await the return of references, Disclosure/Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) paperwork and possibly occupational health screening. We also need to arrange induction and mandatory training for volunteers and finally introduce you to the team or department you will be volunteering with.
In some cases volunteer managers will also meet with you for an informal interview and may need to arrange for your local day-to-day contact person to meet with you too.
By ensuring that your details are all in order it will help. You should alert your referees to the importance of replying quickly and if you need to have Disclosure, Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG), or occupation health screening processed you should ensure you return this paperwork quickly.
When you meet with your volunteer manager you should bring:
Volunteering is about free will and your choices. Some roles are time-bound and may have an end date whilst others are open ended. In some cases, particularly where the role involves engaging with patients it might important for volunteers to engage on a medium to long-term basis of three, six or twelve months. You should discuss this with your volunteer manager.
Every volunteer is supported. Depending on the way the volunteer management programme is structured this might be from the volunteer manager, a member of staff where your volunteering takes place or you might have a volunteer buddy.
Out of pocket expenses are provided too. Your volunteer manager will be able to explain the process for reimbursement.
You may have been advised to gain experience in the NHS in support of your application to College or University for healthcare related studies or it may even be a requirement of your course that you complete a placement within a healthcare setting as part of your studies.
There are similarities between being involved as a volunteer and undertaking a placement/work experience within the NHS, but they are distinct and will have different outcomes.
Adult and school work experience placements can provide you with the opportunity to observe and sometimes participate under supervision in the normal work of the area. Placements tend to take place over shorter, concentrated periods of time and are designed to give you a flavour of what working in the NHS is like and are aimed at specifically progressing your own learning.
Volunteering generally requires a regular commitment over a longer period of time and whilst it can help you gain valuable skills and experience, the focus is on the giving of your free time to improve the patient and public experience, be that in a hospital or a community setting.
Your local Volunteer Manager will be able to signpost you to the department that organise work experience/placements in your health board.
Over 500 volunteers roles were filled last year by people like you.
Speak with a local volunteer coordinator and then Apply to start the process.
Visit our contact us section to get in touch with our support team.