Inpatient Unit (IPU) Ward Receptionist Volunteer in Chesterfield

Time Commitment:

• Ideally one morning or afternoon shift per week
• Weekend shifts available
• Saturday and Sunday shifts are available between 8.30am and 4.30pm, with morning or afternoon shifts
• A regular commitment of at least one shift per week is preferred to provide consistency for patients, families, visitors and the IPU team

Help Create a Warm Welcome as an IPU Reception Volunteer

We're looking for a friendly, reliable and compassionate volunteer to support our Inpatient Unit reception.

You'll provide a warm and welcoming first point of contact for patients, families, visitors and callers to the Inpatient Unit. From answering telephone calls and helping with access to the ward, to preparing admission and discharge packs, you'll provide practical support that helps the IPU run smoothly.

This is an important role where a friendly face, a reassuring welcome and good communication can make a real difference to someone visiting the hospice.

What You’ll Be Doing

You'll provide:

• A warm and friendly welcome to patients, families and visitors
• Support with answering incoming telephone calls and directing enquiries to the appropriate member of staff
• Support with monitoring door entry and access to the unit
• Preparation of patient admission and discharge packs
• General reception and administrative support
• Help to maintain a tidy, organised and welcoming reception area
• Support to the wider Inpatient Unit team
• Appropriate escalation of sensitive, clinical or complex enquiries to staff
• Respect for patient confidentiality, privacy and dignity
• Feedback to the appropriate member of staff about any concerns or issues

Who We’re Looking For

We'd love to hear from you if you:

• We'd love to hear from you if you:
• Are friendly, approachable and compassionate
• Have good communication and interpersonal skills
• Enjoy meeting and speaking with people
• Can communicate sensitively with patients, families and visitors
• Are comfortable working as part of a team
• Have basic IT skills and confidence with straightforward administrative tasks
• Understand the importance of confidentiality
• Are comfortable working within clearly defined volunteer boundaries
• Can recognise when a query needs to be passed to a member of staff
• Are reliable and able to offer a regular commitment
• Are willing to complete our required training and induction
• Are willing to follow Ashgate Hospice policies, procedures and values
• Previous customer service or public-facing experience would be beneficial, but is not essential

What’s in It for You?

• The opportunity to develop and learn within a professional team
• The chance to make a meaningful impact while developing your own skills
• Full training to refresh or enhance your knowledge and keep everyone safe
• Full travel expenses reimbursed
• A supportive environment where your contribution is truly valued
• Full travel expenses paid

What You Can Expect from Us

As a volunteer, you can expect:

• To be treated fairly and equitably in line with hospice values
• A clear understanding of your role and responsibilities
• Appropriate training tailored to your role
• Ongoing support and guidance
• The resources and equipment needed to carry out your role
• A safe environment that respects health and safety

What We Ask in Return

We ask our volunteers to:

• Reflect the values, goals and standards of Ashgate Hospice
• Place patient care at the centre of everything you do
• Follow our Health and Safety Policy, Volunteer Policy, Code of Behaviour and Volunteer Handbook
• Participate in relevant training and development
• Seek support when needed
• Carry out duties professionally and safely

Important Information

• Volunteers must be aged 16 or over
• All volunteers are required to attend:
  • Voluntary Statutory Training (3 hours)
  • Ashgate Hospice Induction (3 hours)
• Local role-specific training will be provided
• Confidentiality around patient and hospice information is essential
• This role will require a Standard DBS to be completed

Join us and help support those who support others.

Interested?

Please apply via our website and feel free to attach your CV or supporting information to tell us more about you and the knowledge, skills and experience you can bring.

To find out more about this role, please email:
📧 tracie.holocuk@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk

For general volunteering enquiries:
📞 01246 568801
📧 peopleservices@ashgatehospice.org.uk

Or visit:
🌐 https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/volunteering/

For more information about us, please visit our website here.