Volunteering at our hospitals

Potential volunteers from all backgrounds are welcome to apply and must be at least be 18 or over. However like any job you will be required to go through the recruitment process, same as our paid members of staff, which would consist of an interview, health screening, Disclosure and Barring Service check (if required) and two satisfactory references.

The volunteering recruitment process would take anything up to eight weeks depending on a number of things, including how long it takes occupational health and criminal record clearances to come through in addition to any paperwork we may request you to complete and return to us.

A variety of volunteering roles are offered at both Luton & Dunstable and Bedford hospitals.

There are various roles you can get involved in across both sites:

• Assisting at mealtimes
• Meeting and greeting visitors in Main Reception and the Macmillan or Primrose Unit
• Helping make teas and coffees for patients waiting for outpatient appointments
• Visiting patients as a Chaplaincy Volunteer
• Volunteering in the Charity Hub or supporting the trolley service on the Wards (L&D specific)

These are just a few of the many roles which are on available in which you can offer your support. We are committed to expanding and developing new opportunities through our volunteering program at the Trust.

 

There is mandatory training for all volunteers new & existing volunteers which includes an induction program as well as training coverage on training on core topics. Additional training maybe required depending on the role you are undertaking.

As a volunteer you have the flexibility to give as little or as much time as you would like. Our recommendation would be to start off with a couple of hours in the first couple of months so that you can ease yourself into the role. Just bear in mind that it will take a little time to get used to your surroundings for that reason we require a minimum commitment of six months.

Unlike some of our other roles, volunteering is not a paid opportunity, but nonetheless it can still provide you with invaluable experience in a healthcare setting and would boost your CV. However, if you are a student then general volunteering roles may not be suitable for you, so therefore we would encourage you to visit our student volunteering program for more information.

What Next?

If you have any questions please visit our FAQ’s or email us at Voluntaryservices@bedsft.nhs.uk.