Is volunteering different from work experience or shadowing?
Volunteering does not involve shadowing nurses or doctors. Becoming a volunteer is a commitment of 3-4 hours per week for a minimum of six months, which allows you to make a real difference to our patients.
If you want to gain a better understanding of the role of a nurse or doctor, email mtw-tr.workexperience@nhs.net
What age can I start volunteering?
You can start volunteering at age 16, although if you are below 18 you will only be able to volunteer between 9am and 5pm on weekdays and will not be allowed into areas such as paediatrics or maternity so please be aware of this when you apply.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
Some teams are not required to wear a uniform but if you are in a clinical area you must follow our policy of ‘bare below the elbows’.
Where required, the uniform consists of a branded black polo shirt, which we provide. In line with the uniform policy, volunteers are not able to wear trainers or open-toed sandals. You will also need to remove jewellery worn below the elbow with the exception of a Kara or plain wedding band. Any earrings need to be of the stud variety.
You will also be required to wear PPE appropriate to your role, such as aprons or gloves (you will never be asked to work with Covid-positive patients).
Can I use you as a reference?
Yes, once you have logged sixty hours you can email the Voluntary Services team to provide a refence.
When can I start my volunteering?
The application process can take up to four months but it will depend how quickly you are able to attend the relevant training sessions, how quickly your referees respond and how soon your DBS certificate comes through.
Can I use an existing Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate?
If you have an enhanced level DBS certificate for child and adult workforce which is registered with the update service (you would need to have registered this within 19 calendar days from the issue date on the certificate, on the Government website, and have received an email confirming that it was registered) then we can use this. If you have not registered it, or it is not to the right level, we can do a new one for you. Your DBS check will be updated by the trust every three years.
Do I need to provide references?
You will need to provide contact details of two referees then we will send them a form to complete and return to us.
The first referee needs to have known you within the last two years and be of standing within the community. If you are currently employed or in education, this should be your current employer or a teacher/tutor. The first referee must be a person in authority, such as an employer, teacher, minister of religion.
If you are currently volunteering, your second referee should be a manager from the organisation you are volunteering for. If you are not volunteering at the moment, you can use a friend or acquaintance. Neither should be a member of your family or a partner.
Both referees must be 18 or above.
If you are considering becoming a chaplaincy volunteer visitor, an additional reference will need to be obtained from a recognised member of your faith community.
What if I have health or support needs?
During the application and interview process you will have the opportunity to ask any questions about your own health or support needs that might affect your volunteering. We will make every effort to enable you to volunteer with us but there may be situations where this may not be possible.
What training is required before I can start volunteering?
All volunteers have to complete the volunteer mandatory online training required. Additional training relating to the role you have chosen will be provided during the application process. If you are not comfortable with (or have not used) any online training before do not worry, we will help you with it.
You will be offered the opportunity to attend additional non-mandatory training sessions if you wish.
Can I visit different areas and try out roles before I choose?
All of our roles are patient-facing and we have a responsibility to always treat our patients with dignity and respect. It would not be appropriate for us to arrange visits into wards and departments for all potential volunteers. We will provide you with as much information as we can about different roles, give you the opportunity to talk to existing volunteers and help you to choose where you would like to be placed.
Before you start volunteering we will arrange a review date with you so we can discuss whether you are enjoying your voluntary role. At this point some volunteers decide to increase their hours or look at additional roles.
Can I claim travel expenses?
Volunteers can claim travel expenses through the expenses system and will be paid on the 24th of the month in arrears. This includes mileage and public transport claims. Volunteers are eligible free parking, along with a free bus that runs between Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals.
Please contact us if you have any questions before you submit your registration of interest. There will be plenty of opportunities to speak to a member of the Voluntary Services team during the application process.
