Volunteering in the health sector

If you’re a good listener, like helping people and have time to spare, why not think about volunteering in the health sector?

Volunteering in the health sector offers a range of opportunities to gain experience and develop your skills. For many people, it is simply a way to make an important difference to the lives of people in need.

In this guide you’ll find a selection of the volunteering opportunities available in hospital and community healthcare settings. You’ll also find details of what you need for each role, and the career opportunities some roles might lead to.

Why volunteer?

Volunteering offers you the chance to:

• meet and work with new people
• learn new skills
• develop interests that you might already have
• get involved in something you care about.

In the health sector, becoming a volunteer can be useful if you are:

• thinking about a career change or break
• working part-time
• studying at school or college and looking for work experience.

If you intend to apply for paid work in the health sector, or study a healthcare subject, volunteering can help you decide if a career in this area is for you.

Who volunteers?

Healthcare volunteers can come from all kinds of backgrounds, ages and cultures. Many are people who’ve retired from health and social care jobs, or former patients and relatives of patients. Some are also members of voluntary organisations, including the Red Cross, Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) and Citizens Advice Bureau.

What skills do I need?

To be a volunteer in the health sector you need to be:

• reliable with a caring, friendly approach
• able to understand people’s needs quickly
• aware of the need for confidentiality.

Do I need any specific qualifications or experience?

You will not normally need specific qualifications or experience to become a healthcare volunteer. However, the place where you volunteer will try to make sure that the skills you have are put to best use.

For most volunteering roles you will need to be age16 or over. There is no upper age limit as long as you are in good health.

If you have any convictions that may come under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 you will need to declare them. Volunteers in almost any healthcare setting need to complete a CRB check.  Having a criminal record may not prevent you from volunteering, but it will depend on the offence, how long ago it was, and the kind of volunteering role you are going to carry out.

What training will I get?

Your training may involve an induction programme, which would cover the latest health and safety procedures and any department-specific working practices.

Depending on the type of voluntary work, you may be asked to do a training course. For example, if you volunteer to help the Macmillan nurses you might complete a Macmillan training programme, which includes a Cancer Support Certificate validated by the Open College network.

It will always be made clear to you which tasks you are not permitted to carry out. Any restrictions may be due to issues such as health and safety, professional regulation and insurance coverage.

If you'd like to know more about being a volunteer, give us a call! All calls are confidential and because we're impartial, you'll get the best possible advice on your options. You can also email an adviser or request a call back at a time to suit you.