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Application information

Please click here to complete an online application form 

Introduction

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust values the involvement of local people as volunteers in activities that enhance the quality of life for our patients, visitors, carers, and also support the staff in delivering high quality health care.

Your offer of voluntary help is very much appreciated and you can be assured of a warm welcome in whatever area of volunteering you choose.

What sort of roles are there for Volunteers?

Volunteers are involved in many areas of our services, such as ward helpers, meeting and greeting, gardening and assisting our staff with administration.

The range of opportunities continually changes so we are sure to find you something you will enjoy.

We will ask all managers wishing to work with volunteers to write a short role description which will ensure that everyone understands the scope of the placement.

Those volunteers most flexible in their volunteering requirements are most likely to be placed quickly.

Who can become a volunteer?

  • You must be over 18 years of age
  • Be willing to commit to a minimum of four and a maximum of sixteen hours per week
  • Be willing to commit to a minimum of six months
  • You will need to have completed a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
  • You will need to provide satisfactory references
  • You will have agreed to adhere to the Trust’s policies and Code of Conduct
  • You must be eligible to work in the UK
  • You must be willing to accept all Trust Covid safety protocols, mask wearing, PPE if required and lateral flow testing.
  • You must be willing to complete a health risk assessment.

What to expect from us:

The volunteer team will guide you through the application process, and you will also have a named person to support you in the area you are volunteering.

Useful contacts:

ekh-tr.volunteers@nhs.net

For many volunteers the opportunity to help others and give something back is the main reason they join us. The Trust greatly values the contribution that volunteers make to the patient experience. We will pay agreed travel expenses but we ask volunteers to work at the closest hospital to their home.

You will also be offered discount on food and beverages in line with our staff. A free parking permit will also be available for use in staff car parks only.

We will provide relevant training and a uniform in order for you to provide appropriate help in your volunteering activities. You will also receive regular news either by post or email  and also be invited to several social events during the year.

What happens next?

Once we have received your online application form, you will be invited to an informal telephone interview. You will be asked to scan/photograph and email copies of the required evidence for the completion of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Once your DBS check has cleared, you will be sent an induction pack which will include Health and Safety, Fire Safety, Manual Handing, Infection Control, Safeguarding and Governance. Please complete the agreement and email to ekh-tr.volunteers@nhs.net. We now have an online induction programme and we will be inviting you to attend training days as soon as it is safe to do so.

1. The three identity documents must include at least one of these:

  • Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Photo Driving Licence

2. In addition you will need to supply TWO extra proof of address:

  • Passport (if not supplied in section one)
  • Driving licence (if not supplied in section one)
  • Bank Statement (less than 3 months old)
  • Telephone ( not mobile) or any utility bill (less than 3 months old including name and address details)

 May we wish you every success and enjoyment in your volunteering position.