About this role
Job summary
Make a difference when it matters the most.
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group are looking forEmergency Department Volunteers who can Volunteer between 8am - late, Monday to Sunday.
Could a simple conversation change someone's day?
For patients and families arriving in our Emergency Department, it can be one of the most stressful moments of their lives. They may be anxious, worried, in pain, or simply unsure of what happens next.
That's where you come in.
We are looking for caring, compassionate and reliable volunteers aged 18 or over to join our Emergency Department team and help create a welcoming, supportive environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Whether you're offering reassurance to a worried relative, helping someone find their way or supporting our teams with practical tasks, your presence can make a genuine difference to someone's experience of care.
This is a rewarding opportunity to give your time when it matters most. We're looking for people who are approachable, patient, dependable and genuinely want to help others.
In return, you'll meet a wide range of people, develop valuable communication skills, gain insight into the NHS and become part of a supportive team.
Main duties of the job
As an Emergency Department Volunteer, you will provide friendly, practical and non-clinical support to patients, relatives, visitors and staff.
Welcoming patients and visitors to the Emergency Department and helping them feel comfortable.
Providing a friendly face, a listening ear and reassurance to patients and relatives who may be anxious or worried.
Supporting people who may be unsure where they need to go or what they need to do next.
Providing practical support to patients and visitors within the boundaries of the volunteer role.
Helping maintain a calm, welcoming and supportive environment.
Recognising when someone may need additional assistance and alerting an appropriate member of staff.
Maintaining patient confidentiality and respecting the privacy, dignity and individual needs of everyone you meet.
We are also looking for ED Response Volunteers to provide practical, non-clinical support across the Emergency Departments. They respond to requests from different ED areas, undertake collections and deliveries across the Trust to support the department. This is a varied and active role that helps staff, supports patient wellbeing and keeps the ED running smoothly.
About us
Kettering General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion Accountability Respect Integrity Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job description Job responsibilities
Offer a friendly face, calm reassurance and practical support to patients and relatives who may be anxious, overwhelmed or unexpectedly in hospital, helping to ease pressure and improve their experience.
The volunteers were really helpful, Im grateful for your support. Northampton General Hospital Patient Feedback.
Volunteers will not be expected to provide clinical care, medical advice or undertake duties outside the agreed volunteer role. Full training, guidance and support will be provided.
Please only apply if you are able to commit to a minimum of 3 hours per a week. Tell us which day and time (between Monday and Sunday, 8am to late) you are available. We receive many applications but can only accept a limited number of volunteers, so including all requested information is essential. We look forward to reading your application.
Person Specification
Question 1 Essential
Are you able to commit to a minimum of 3 hours per week on a regular day and time? (If not, we may be unable to progress your application, as most of our volunteer roles require a regular weekly commitment.)
Question 2 Essential
Please tell us which days and times you are available (Monday to Sunday 8am- Late).
Question 3 Essential
Why would you like to volunteer with us?
Question 4 Essential
What skills, experience or qualities would you bring to this role?
Question 5 Essential
Please confirm you are over 18
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address Kettering General Hospital
Rothwell Road
Kettering
NN16 8UZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.kgh.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)