Frequently asked questions
I want to volunteer, what should I do next?
I am disabled, can I still volunteer?
Will I be able to get my expenses covered whilst volunteering?
How much time do I need to volunteer for?
Will I be interviewed? What will they ask me? What can I ask them?
What will I need to wear?
I'm working full time. Will I still be able to volunteer?
What do volunteers do?
What about qualifications?
Can I choose where I want to volunteer?
How much or little can I volunteer?
Can I leave if I don't like it?
How do I apply?
Will I need references i.e. from school/work?
Will I need to hand in a CV?
I want to volunteer, what should I do next?
It is a good idea to think about what you would like to do and consider how much time you are available to offer. The voluntary services team now have two periods during the year when applications can be accepted. The details of when applications can be received will be updated regularly on this webpage.
I am disabled, can I still volunteer?
STH is positive about disabled people and welcomes volunteers of all abilities to join the Trust. Previous retirement due to poor health or any disability will NOT prevent you from becoming a volunteer. The voluntary services team will help you to find the placement that best suits your abilities.
Will I be able to get my expenses covered whilst volunteering?
Volunteers are able to claim back their travel expenses. The volunteer co-ordinators will explain how you do this once your volunteer placement begins.
How much time do I need to volunteer for?
It is up to you how much time you decide to spend volunteering; however we do ask you to commit to a minimum of four hours per week for at least three months.
Many people decide to volunteer during office hours but you can volunteer at evenings at weekend too, again depending on what you want to do. We do aim to be flexible with volunteer placements to suit each individual.
Will I be interviewed? What will they ask me? What can I ask them?
During periods of recruitment, you will be invited to come for an informal chat with one of the volunteer co-ordinators. Your informal chat together with the information on your application form will enable us to assess your suitability for your chosen area. We can talk you through the training opportunities available and the support and supervision you will receive. We may ask you:
- Why you are interested in volunteering
- What type of voluntary work you are interested in
- What new skills you would like to learn through your volunteer placement
- How much time you have to offer
- What skills you feel you have to offer
- You will be given an opportunity for you to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have.
When you come to meet a co-ordinator you will be asked to bring in some form of identification and proof of address and you will be asked to fill in a criminal records bureau form. This is standard procedure across all NHS organisations and is nothing to worry about!
What will I need to wear?
You will be issued with a volunteer’s uniform at your induction. The type of uniform varies depending on which area you take up your placement. Uniforms are provided free of charge but must be returned when you finish your placement with us. All volunteers will also be issued with an ID badge must be worn at all times during your placement in accordance with the Trust’s standards of performance and conduct.
I’m working full time. Will I still be able to volunteer?
Yes. There are many opportunities to volunteer that do not require you to be available Monday- Friday during the day. Don’t be put off volunteering because you work full time; many wards and departments gladly welcome volunteers who prefer helping at weekends or evenings.
What do volunteers do?
Almost anything you can think of! However, volunteers are not there to do the work of a paid member of staff, but to enhance the services already provided. We have a wide variety of placements available through all five of our hospitals; the Northern General, Royal Hallamshire, Charles Clifford, Weston Park and the Jessop Wing.
We are also able to offer many volunteering opportunities not directly related to healthcare but that still contribute to improving the patient experience. These include hospital radio, arts and drama projects, gardening, administration and reading to patients.
What about qualifications?
The great thing about volunteering is that anyone can take part. You don't need any qualifications.
Once you become a volunteer STH can help you to develop your skills. We aim to encourage volunteers to develop and we are committed to providing and provide access to accredited training opportunities.
Some of the courses that will be available to you include first aid, food and hygiene, English skills, IT, disability awareness, infection control and the management of violence and aggression. If there is any particular qualification you are interested in please raise this at your informal chat.
Can I choose where I want to volunteer?
Yes. We offer a wide variety of placements across on all five hospitals. At your informal chat you will be asked where you would like to volunteer and what you are hoping to gain from your placement. This helps us match you up to the most suitable placement possible. If you have a particular area in mind already, we will do our best to accommodate you on that area.
How much or little can I volunteer?
We ask for a minimum of four hours per week for at least three months. There is no upper limit as to how much you can volunteer and you are free to take up more than one placement should you wish to volunteer in a number of areas.
Can I leave if I don’t like it?
You are under no obligation to stay with the volunteering programme. It is important that you talk to someone such as your volunteer co-ordinator, your supervisor or someone in the organisation who you have got on well with to see whether anything could be changed to improve your time as a volunteer.
How do I apply?
Please see the how to apply section.
Will I need to supply references?
The application form has a section for you to include the names and contact details of two referees. These could be an employer, schoolteacher or college lecturer but cannot be a family member. If in doubt, please contact the volunteer team who may be able to give advice on appropriate referees.
Will I need to hand in a CV?
No, a CV is not required to take up a voluntary placement.
