You are here:

How to apply

We are not currently recruiting volunteers. If you would like to become a volunteer at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, our next intake will be in March 2012.

Application process

Q&A Day

After showing an interest in becoming a volunteer, you will be invited to an information session. This will involve a DVD presentation of current volunteers at UHB and the various roles which they do around the hospitals. During the Q&A Day you will be able to ask questions and find out more about volunteering. If you wish to continue with your application to become a volunteer, an application form will be provided at the end of the session.

Team meeting

Once the Voluntary Services Team have received your completed application and equal opportunities form, you will be contacted by the team within two weeks of receiving your application to arrange a meeting.

Before the meeting, you will receive a confirmation letter informing you of when and where the meeting will take place plus details of what you need to bring with you.

Character reference

The two referees that are nominated when applying to become a volunteer at UHB will be contacted to provide a character reference for you. It is important that the referees have known you for at least two years but are not related to you. If you would like to volunteer in the Chaplaincy department, please provide a faith related reference.

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)

To become a volunteer you will need to complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) form, this will be filled in during your meeting with the Voluntary Services Team. All volunteers require a CRB check before starting their placement. If you have had a criminal conviction or caution in your life, you are required to tell us. Failure to tell us may result in your application being rejected. If an offence is committed following your registration as a volunteer you must inform the Voluntary Services team.

Induction

The final step before you can become a volunteer is to attend an Induction Day. All Trust volunteers have to attend an Induction Day before they are allowed to start volunteering at the hospital.

Ready to start

As soon as the above sections have been completed you will be contacted to meet the ward/department manager where you will be placed. You will be issued with a uniform, identity badge and introduced to the people you will be working with.

You will also need to complete a health questionnaire. Depending on the results you may be asked to attend a health check at the hospitals occupational health department, this is to assess your health and well-being before you start volunteering.

Volunteers will be unable to start a placement at UHB until all of the above processes have been completed, the entire application process will take approximately 10-12 weeks.

Please note:

1. Many people would like to volunteer with the military based at UHB, unfortunately we do not have enough placements for everyone who applies on our military ward. If you would like to become a military volunteer you may also contact the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAAFA)
2. Volunteering at UHB should not be viewed as a work placement. If you are a student looking to develop your skills within a particular area of the hospital this will not be possible. Please see the related links box for more information on work experience