At a Glance
- Tasks: Support patients and families by providing companionship and assistance during their hospital stay.
- Company: Join Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, a top-rated healthcare provider in the South East.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 27 days of annual leave, and access to the NHS Pension Scheme.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in your community while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Attend an information session on 7th July at Maidstone Hospital to learn more.
The gift of your time as a volunteer can make a significant difference to patients and their relatives at Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. There are many different reasons for volunteering with us, some of the benefits our existing volunteer workforce have cited include:
- Make a difference to patients, their families and friends;
- The potential to give something back to the local community;
- A chance to do something worthwhile and meaningful to you;
- The opportunity to work as part of a team - you'll be part of a volunteer community supported by staff and the voluntary services team throughout your volunteering journey;
- The prospect to learn new skills and share your existing expertise.
You will be part of a strong, dedicated team of volunteers working alongside staff to provide holistic support to patients and their families to enhance people's experience of care. This might include:
- Providing companionship and company to patients during their stay, this might include playing cards, reading or chatting;
- Where appropriate/required escort patients/visitors to different locations throughout the hospital including way finding - assistance with manual handling/patient transfers is not expected;
- Encouraging patients to eat and provide company at mealtimes - this is a non-clinical role, you are not expected to support with feeding as this requires specialist training.
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey. We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Looking for flexible working? We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether itβs adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
- At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
- Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits.
- Blue Light card eligibility.
- And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Pauline Wood Job title: Interim Lead for Patient Experience Email address: mtw-tr.volunteers@nhs.net Telephone number: 01622 224719.
A face-to-face information session and interviews will be held at Maidstone Hospital on the evening of 7th July.
Volunteer employer: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Contact Detail:
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Volunteer
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust by visiting their website and social media pages. Understanding their values and mission will help you align your motivations with theirs, making you a more appealing candidate.
β¨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current volunteers or staff members through platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the role and the volunteer community, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
β¨Tip Number 3
Attend the face-to-face information session on 7th July at Maidstone Hospital. This is a great opportunity to meet the team, ask questions, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role in person.
β¨Tip Number 4
Consider what skills or experiences you can bring to the role that may not be immediately obvious. Think about how your background can enhance the patient experience and be ready to discuss these during your interactions with the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Before applying, take some time to understand what being a volunteer at Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the impact you can have on patients and their families.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience or skills that relate to volunteering. Emphasise your ability to work in a team, your communication skills, and any previous volunteer work or community involvement.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Craft a cover letter that expresses your motivation for volunteering. Share why you want to contribute to the NHS Trust and how your personal values align with their mission to support patients and their families.
Prepare for the Information Session: If you're invited to the face-to-face information session, prepare by thinking about questions you might have regarding the role. This is also a great opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to volunteering.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
β¨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you fully understand what the volunteer role entails. Familiarise yourself with the tasks you'll be doing, such as providing companionship to patients and assisting with wayfinding. This will help you articulate why you're a good fit for the position.
β¨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your interest in volunteering, as this can resonate well with the interviewers.
β¨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working as part of a dedicated team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively with others. Provide examples from past experiences where you've successfully worked in a team environment, showcasing your communication and interpersonal skills.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training opportunities available, how volunteers are supported, or what a typical day looks like. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.