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What do volunteers do?

Our volunteers play an important role, helping our staff make the hospital experience better for patients. We offer a wide variety of volunteering roles, ranging from volunteering in wards and clinical areas to supporting visitors coming into the hospital. Take a look at our list of current volunteer opportunities to see if there's something that will suit you.

Will I be interviewed?

If your application is shortlisted you will be offered an interview. You must have all necessary documentation to be on boarded as a Trust volunteer. This includes having references to cover three years. Have documentation to process a DBS, and complete your mandatory core skills programme.

Can I choose where I volunteer?

We have a limited number of roles at Mount Vernon Hospital, with most roles available at Hillingdon Hospital. We engage with clinical teams, and based on their engagement with the volunteering service that’s where we place volunteers. We will endeavor to identify the motivation of the volunteer and try to align with that.

Do all applicants get accepted for volunteering?

If your application is shortlisted you will be offered an interview. To be shortlisted you must demonstrate that you meet the criteria of the job description you are applying for.

Will I be able to volunteer immediately?

There is an on boarding process, if the volunteer provides all their documentation early and completes their training, this can be as quick as up to two weeks. This is largely based on the volunteer to provide the information in a timely manner to avoid delays.

Will I get any training?

You will complete mandatory training offered by Health Education England before you start. Based on the team you are placed in, there will be further specific training provided before you start volunteering, with opportunities where relevant to gain further experience if you desire.

Can I volunteer if I am under 18?

You need to be over 17 years old and live locally if you would like to become a volunteer for The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. If you would like more information about these roles, please look at our available roles on goassemble.com.

I am free over the summer holidays - can I volunteer for this period only?

In Summer 2022 we are piloting a Summer Youth Programme, we hope for this to be a standard volunteering offer. Recruitment for this started in March with the aim of completing all checks, assigning teams and conduction the mini orientation before the scheduled start dates. This will enable the young volunteers to gain their volunteering experience during the scheduled times. The key for this to happen, applications must be received well in advance and not at the start of summer.

How long and how often can I volunteer?

Volunteers must meet the minimum criteria of volunteering which is up to 4 hours a week for a period 4 months. (It was previously one year before the pandemic).
How do I apply? Online: our available roles on goassemble.com

What will happen to my benefits if I volunteer?

There is no impact to benefits as volunteers sign a code of conduct and not an employment contract. Volunteers are given lunch vouchers and reimbursed with travel costs.

Can I claim expenses?

Volunteers are given lunch vouchers and reimbursed with travel costs

Where can I volunteer?

Here are some examples of departments and services where volunteers are needed: 

Are there volunteering opportunities with other organisations?

Certainly, we work closely with other NHS Trusts in North West London and across the country. Our local community partner H4ALL Volunteering | h4all also have a range of roles available for organisations within the local community. Ideally do a simple Google search with what you are looking for, research available opportunites, look on the JOB / Careers / about us menus and see if you are able to find something that meets what you are looking for.

Covid-19 specific FAQs

Will I be expected to volunteer on a Covid ward?
We have largely kept volunteers out of ‘Covid wards’ as we have been returning volunteers. However, there have been cases on some of the wards the volunteers go on. These patients are usually in isolated rooms or bays, and volunteers are not expected to support these patients. However volunteers must be aware that there will be patients with Covid at the hospital and must follow Standard Operating Processes which are communicated to all volunteers. On the rare occasion a ward may be closed to volunteers if there is an outbreak we encourage volunteers to get into the habit of checking with the supervisor before coming to the hospital.

Will I be entitled to a vaccine if I am a volunteer?
Yes our volunteers are considered as staff so have access to opportunities staff have, vaccines, lateral flow tests, PPE etc.

What level of PPE would I be required to wear when volunteering?
The level of PPE you would be expected to wear will depend on the location within the hospital that you are volunteering in. As a minimum during the pandemic everyone within our hospitals is required to wear a surgical face mask as a minimum, but please look out for signage around the hospital which will inform you of what PPE is required in each area.