Frequently asked questions about volunteering
Can I start volunteering straight away?
Patient and public safety are important to the Trust, so all volunteers must go through our recruitment process, provide suitable references, complete DBS ((disclosure and barring service, formerly known as a CRB), occupational health checks and attend the necessary training. These satisfactory clearances can take up to three months before the placement.
How long is the recruitment process?
It can take up to three months before you start volunteering. This depends on:
- how quickly you fill in and return the application form
- whether there is a placement available in the area in which you wish to volunteer
- whether you attend the appropriate training sessions
- how quickly we receive your references and DBS check
Do all applicants get accepted for volunteering?
Each stage of the application and recruitment process is assessed according to our Trust policy. Therefore, all applicants must go through our recruitment process to ensure they are suitable for the role applied for. We will also need to receive satisfactory clearances like suitable references, DBS (disclosure and barring service, formerly known as a CRB) and occupational health checks. You will also attend the necessary training before you can volunteer in our Trust.
Will I have an interview?
Yes, we have interviews for all roles. There may be an additional one-to-one discussion for some roles to ensure you are suited for the task at hand.
What training will I receive?
There are specific training sessions that all volunteers need to complete before we find you a placement.
In addition, you will also have a local induction on your ward or in your department on the day you start.
I am a student, can I apply?
We do accept students over the age of 17 but we want you to have a positive volunteering experience with CWPT. Therefore, please consider carefully whether you will be able to commit to this role while studying as well.
The minimum age for volunteering is 17 for administrative roles and 18 within patient-facing settings.
Do I need right to work to volunteer?
You must be legally entitled to work in the UK to apply to become one of our volunteers. For more information on Visa and eligibility to volunteer, please enquire with the UK Border Agency directly.
Can I become a volunteer to gain work experience in healthcare?
Volunteering can be a valuable way to gain experience in the NHS, but is primarily for people who want to make a difference to our communities. All volunteers are required to volunteer for at least 3 hours a week for a minimum period of 6 months.
If you are looking for shorter-term work experience, please contact work.experience@covwarkpt.nhs.uk.
Can I volunteer for a short time over the holidays only?
To provide stability and consistency for our patients, we require all our volunteers to commit to a minimum of 3 hours a week over a 6-month period.
Do I need to wear a uniform?
No. You do not need to wear a uniform; however, you will be issued with an ID card and a yellow NHS Volunteer lanyard that you should always wear when you are volunteering at the Trust. We also have a dress code, which we will explain to you during the recruitment process.
Will you provide me with a reference?
A reference will be provided when you have volunteered consistently for six months. It is our Trust policy to only provide factual references which will be provided by our Human Resource Department.
Email hr.enquiries@covwarkpt.nhs.uk for reference request.
Do ex-service users need to be away from the service for certain time before joining us as a volunteer?
If the service user wants to join the Trust as a volunteer after being discharged from the inpatient setting, it should be assessed on individual basis. Volunteer Service Team will work together with volunteer and staff member during the recruitment and placement process.
If the volunteer is an ex-service user, can they volunteer in the same ward where they received the service earlier?
Yes, they can if the service/ward manager and volunteer agree.
Can I claim travel expenses?
Yes, travel expenses are paid for all volunteers who work the minimum shift of three hours.