General Volunteer

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the west coast of Lancashire, with services covering the local authority areas of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. The Trust is part of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS) supporting a population of around 1.6 million people. 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 applications 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 a 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.

If you choose Blackpool Teaching Hospitals to start your volunteer journey you can pick one of the many roles from below. Some roles are specific to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals and some are Clifton. Don't worry if you are unsure as we can talk through them in your informal interview and find the best one for you.

Main duties of the job:

• 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.

What are the opportunities for Personal Development?

• Build confidence
• Demonstrate commitment

What are the benefits to volunteering in this role?

• Being a positive role model.
• Having a positive impact on other people’s lives.
• Increasing your confidence and self-esteem.
• Helping yourself and other people.

Person specification:

• Have a friendly and approachable manner.
• Treat people with respect regardless of background.
• Be conscientious, reliable, and punctual.
• Be a good listener.
• Understand the importance of and practice confidentiality.

Any invitation to interview will be sent to the email account stated on your application form. 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.

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 the 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.