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What are we looking for in a volunteer?

header volunteering looking for

Volunteering at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) is a great opportunity to give something back to your local community. However, hospitals can be very challenging environments. They are busy places that care for sick and critically ill patients and their families which can be distressing.

Therefore, to be a volunteer you need to be able to commit to the role fully and ensure you are the right type of person to volunteer in a hospital environment.

Volunteers need to be:

  • Friendly and approachable
  • Caring and good listeners
  • Comfortable approaching people to offer help
  • Able to work independently and use initiative after initial training period
  • Emotionally mature and able to stay calm in difficult situations
  • Adaptable
  • Able to offer a regular weekly commitment for at least 12 months
  • Dependable

Volunteer responsibilities

Each volunteer role has a specific list of duties to undertake, however all volunteers should also:

  • Be polite, courteous and respectful to others
  • Know the hospital layout and be a source of information
  • Direct or escort patients or visitors to their appropriate destination
  • Wear the Trust volunteer ID badge and uniform appropriately
  • Adhere to the volunteer code of conduct
  • Promote a positive image of the hospital, staff and voluntary services
  • Uphold the values of the Trust
  • Sign in before every shift

Last reviewed: 12 February 2024