Volunteering - Frequently asked questions

Will I be able to choose where I volunteer?

We offer several roles, and whilst we would like to place a volunteer in a location of the hospital that they have the most interest, we will unfortunately only be able to offer placement in areas where there is a current volunteering need. There may be opportunity to develop new roles in the future to broaden the opportunities.

Do I need references?

Two references will be required as part of the application. These need to be from people that are aged over 18, not related, and will ideally know you from a previous/current work or professional capacity.

Do I need a DBS?

A DBS will be required for certain roles, and this will be at no cost to the volunteer.

How much time per week do you require for volunteering?

We suggest four hours per week (one shift) as a minimum commitment. However, some of our volunteers prefer to do one longer day per fortnight. A regular commitment is required so that the teams we support can plan for the help they receive, and for the person volunteering to get the most out of their placement.

I’m available for the holidays, can I volunteer for this period only?

We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months. This is to justify the resources and investment from across the hospital, which is necessary to offer a high-quality volunteering service and ensure volunteers are well supported throughout their time at QEH. We appreciate it’s a significant commitment, but one where the volunteer will also receive the full benefits from being part of team QEH.

Will I need to attend an interview?

You will need to attend an in-person interview with a member of the voluntary services team. This is an informal chat to get to know you and understand why you wish to volunteer. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have about volunteering in the Trust.

What’s the minimum age to volunteer?

The minimum age to volunteer is 17 years old. For any roles that involve patient facing, the volunteer needs to be at least 18 years old. A parental consent form is required if under the age of 18.

Can I claim travel expenses?

All reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed to the volunteer. We reimburse 24p a mile up to a reasonable distance, and a parking permit will be issued where required and applicable. We do encourage volunteers nearby to travel by bus.

I’m concerned about catching COVID-19 whilst volunteering, what’s in place to help minimise this?

All volunteers completed a Health Assessment form as part of their volunteer process, and before starting a COVID risk assessment is completed. No volunteer is placed in an environment where they are in high risk. All volunteers are required to complete Health and Safety, Infection Prevention and Control prior to starting too. A strict reminder about Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air is reinforced too. Volunteers are required to wear masks within clinical areas (this extends to outpatient waiting areas) and while interacting with current inpatients. Mask wearing is encouraged but not mandated in non-clinical areas (unless visiting an area with a current inpatient).

Joanne Rowe
Voluntary Services Manager
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust
Gayton Road
King's Lynn
PE30 4ET
Phone: 01553 214687
Email: volunteerapplications@qehkl.nhs.uk