Frequently asked questions
Who can volunteer?
Anyone who is 16 years of age or over. We encourage volunteers from all walks of life, bringing their skills and life experiences to support the hospital in various ways. We have students building a CV, stay at home parents offering some spare time to meet new people, hospital staff giving their time in different ways, and retired people keeping active across our communities. Anyone who is happy to offer their time and services for free can be considered for volunteering with us across Northern Devon services.
How soon can I start?
The recruitment procedure is likely to take at least 4-6 weeks to complete after the initial informal interview and includes clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, health checks, right to work checks and appropriate references. We will sort all of this out for you and get you volunteering with us as soon as possible.
How much time do volunteers give?
As much time as you can spare! However, we suggest that each session you offer is a minimum of 2 hours, depending on the type of voluntary work chosen. Obviously, we want you to stay with us as long as possible but we ask for a minimum commitment of six months. When you have completed six months or more, we are normally happy to provide a reference for you for future academic courses or employment, if required.
Will volunteering cost me money?
No. We will cover your car parking fees, and can reimburse travel expenses on presentation of relevant receipts and an expenses form, which will be made available to you when you start. Many of our volunteers choose not to claim, but it’s entirely your decision. We don’t want you to feel unable to give your time, if expenses would prevent that. Volunteers can also eat in the staff restaurant, and benefit from staff prices.
Will training be provided?
Full training and on-going support will be given to all volunteers. We will provide mandatory induction training and regular updates on topics such as fire, information governance and safeguarding for example. You will also receive role specific training once placed in a department, so you are confident in dealing with the patients that you are interacting with, and understand what is expected of you. Wards and departments are proud of their areas, and will be delighted to ensure you feel part of their team.
How do I apply?
You apply by initially filling in an application form, which can be forwarded to you on request from rduh.volunteer-northern@nhs.net. Alternatively, you can call 01271 322334.
Will I have to have an interview?
We know that some people can worry about attending “interviews”, but it’s really a way of finding out more about you and where you will be happiest volunteering. They give you the chance to ask questions, and we can start the formal side of the recruitment once we are both confident that a role is suitable for you. Think of them being very much like a chat over coffee, always friendly and relaxed so there really is nothing to worry about!
What if I start but I don’t like it?
If you aren’t feeling happy, or have any concerns then you can talk to the ward/department manager who is there to support you in your role. If you want to change what it is you are doing, then they will refer you back to the Volunteer Services team. To get the most out of a volunteering, we would ideally suggest spending 6 months in it, as it can take a while to get settled, but if you are unhappy, we will do our best to find another role you feel comfortable with in other areas of the hospital, but of course you are able to leave at any time.
What other volunteering opportunities are there?
We have a variety of opportunities across Northern Devon at the Trust, and new ones are requested all the time, so do get in touch if you can’t see anything you would like to do already. Visit the voluntary section on this website here for more information, or contact the Volunteering Services Administrator for North Devon at rduh.volunteer-northern@nhs.net or by telephoning 01271 322334.