At a Glance
- Tasks: Enhance patient experience through volunteering and engage in friendly conversations.
- Company: Join a diverse NHS organization serving over 330,000 local residents and millions of visitors.
- Benefits: Enjoy free training, flexible working hours, and the chance to make a positive impact.
- Why this job: Build confidence, develop people skills, and be a role model in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a willingness to help and engage with others.
- Other info: DBS checks are free for volunteers, and flexible working patterns can be explored.
We have three main hospitals providing acute services to around 330,000 local residents. The organisation also provides specialist tertiary care for cardiac and haematology services, delivers community health services to over 445,000 residents including those in North Lancashire and hosts the National Artificial Eye Service across England. Plus, we provide urgent and emergency care services to an estimated 18 million people who visit the seaside resort each year. We employ over 7000 people from 68 different countries.
We welcome and encourage application from anyone with protected characteristics, as well as supporting reservists and Veterans who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career within the NHS.
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals encourages flexible working in all our roles to support staff in maintaining healthy home-life balance. Working patterns such as: part time working, self-rostering, compressed hours, annualised hours, term time, reverse term time and flexitime working can be explored., To enhance the patient experience through volunteering.
Participate in appropriate training required by the Trust, the Voluntary Services Department and the respective area.
Promote a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Offer a smile to everyone and engage in friendly and appropriate conversation with those people who would like to talk.
Demonstrate respect and sensitivity to all individuals, ensuring confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Refer individuals to the appropriate member of staff where necessary.
Engage in any other appropriate activity under the guidance and support of a member of staff.
Working for our organisation
What are the opportunities for Personal Development?
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Further develop people skills
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Build confidence
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Demonstrate commitment
What are the benefits to volunteering in this role?
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Being a positive role model.
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Having a positive impact on other people’s lives.
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Free training for volunteers
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Increasing your confidence and self esteem.
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Helping yourself and other people.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To enhance the patient experience through volunteering.
Participate in appropriate training required by the Trust, the Voluntary Services Department and the respective area.
Promote a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Offer a smile to everyone and engage in friendly and appropriate conversation with those people who would like to talk.
Demonstrate respect and sensitivity to all individuals, ensuring confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Refer individuals to the appropriate member of staff where necessary.
Engage in any other appropriate activity under the guidance and support of a member of staff.
If the role you have applied for requires a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check we will administer this as part of your pre-employment checks. Please note, you will be required to repay the cost on appointment. This will be collected via a salary deduction. You can choose whether to pay this over 1-3 months from your salary or as a one-off payment on commencement in post. The level of check required depends on the role that you have been offered. Currently the charges are – Basic DBS check £25.50, Standard DBS check £25.50 and Enhanced DBS check £53.50.
You are encouraged where possible, to register for the DBS update service. This is an annual registration fee of £16. By registering for the update service you will not have the additional cost of repeated disclosures.
Should you withdraw your application, you may be required to reimburse the cost of the DBS check.
DBS checks remain free of charge for volunteer positions.
By submitting an application for this vacancy you are confirming your agreement to the above in the event you are successfully appointed.
The DBS Code of Practice can be accessed here.
Please ensure that you read the Person Specification attached below as your application will be judged against this.
Please note that every effort will be made to keep the vacancy live until published closing date, though there may be instances where such interest is generated, that for administrative reasons the post may close earlier.
Please note that in line with national NHS guidelines this Trust operates a strict non-smoking policy. Members of staff are not permitted to smoke on Trust premises or grounds at any time nor take breaks during working hours for the purposes of smoking.
The Trust does not offer interview expenses to shortlisted candidates unless indicated in the advert.
General Volunteer employer: Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the values and mission of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals. Understanding their commitment to enhancing patient experience through volunteering will help you align your motivations with theirs during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage in community service or volunteer work prior to applying. This experience can provide you with valuable insights into patient care and enhance your ability to promote a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to creating a relaxed environment for patients. Think of specific examples where you've successfully engaged with others in a friendly manner.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your respect for confidentiality and sensitivity towards individuals. Consider scenarios where you've had to maintain privacy and how you handled those situations.
We think you need these skills to ace General Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and expectations of a General Volunteer. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with enhancing patient experiences and promoting a welcoming atmosphere.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect your commitment to volunteering and your ability to engage positively with patients. Mention any relevant experience in healthcare or community service that demonstrates your people skills.
Highlight Personal Development Goals: In your application, express your desire for personal development, such as building confidence and demonstrating commitment. This shows your motivation to grow within the role and contribute positively to the organization.
Review the Person Specification: Make sure to read the Person Specification attached to the job listing. Your application will be judged against these criteria, so ensure you address each point clearly in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Volunteering
Make sure to express your genuine interest in volunteering and enhancing the patient experience. Share any previous volunteer experiences or relevant skills that demonstrate your commitment to helping others.
✨Emphasize People Skills
Highlight your ability to engage with diverse individuals and create a welcoming atmosphere. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle conversations with patients and their families, ensuring respect and sensitivity.
✨Understand Confidentiality
Familiarize yourself with the importance of maintaining confidentiality in a healthcare setting. Be ready to explain how you would ensure that sensitive information is protected while interacting with patients.
✨Ask Questions About Training and Development
Show your eagerness to learn by asking about the training opportunities available for volunteers. This demonstrates your commitment to personal development and your willingness to enhance your skills for the benefit of the organization.