17 August 2007
Emmerdale and Soapstar Superstar celebrity Verity Rushworth visited the Trust in August to present the voluntary services team with an Investors in Volunteers plaque; the UK quality standard for organisations that involve volunteers in their work.
Verity, best known as Donna Windsor-Dingle in the Dales soap, met with volunteers of all ages who told her about their positive experiences at the hospitals. She also found out more about the Trust’s comprehensive process for recruiting, training and managing volunteers, to ensure that both the volunteers and the hospitals get the maximum benefit out of their time spent volunteering.
Acting Voluntary Services Manager, Alan Smith says, “Verity was fantastic on the day; all of the volunteers and staff were really pleased to meet her and all got an autograph or photo taken.”
The Trust is only the second organisation in the whole of Sheffield to achieve Investors in Volunteers accreditation. The Trust was awarded the accolade for ensuring that there is a sound management structure for volunteers at the Trust, comprehensive policies and protocols are in place to ensure the volunteers’ health and safety, and volunteers are provided with support and developmental opportunities throughout their stint at STH.
“The award demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that each and every one of our 700 volunteers is fully supported in their role and has access to training and personal development opportunities,” continued Alan.
Volunteers are recruited twice a year; if you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Trust please visit www.sth.nhs.uk/volunteer from 1st September for details of how to apply.