Clinical Volunteer Lead in Whitstable

Overview

At Pilgrims Hospices, volunteers play a key role in supporting patients and families across all services. We are seeking a Clinical Volunteer Lead to provide hands‑on leadership for the clinical volunteer workforce in inpatient, therapy, psychosocial and community settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Service Development
  • Lead development and implementation of a clinical volunteer strategy.
  • Evaluate contributions and identify areas of impact.
  • Use feedback, data and professional judgment to guide role development.
  • Advise clinical leaders on adaptation, expansion or reduction of volunteer roles.
  • Contribute to service development where volunteers are part of delivery.
  • Ensure the volunteer model remains responsive to service need and upholds high standards of care for palliative patients.
• Operational Leadership & Oversight
  • Central point of contact for all clinical volunteer activity.
  • Maintain oversight across inpatient, therapy, psychosocial and community services.
  • Respond to operational issues and support teams tackling volunteer‑related challenges.
  • Plan volunteer capacity in alignment with service needs.
  • Ensure a consistent approach across all hospice sites.
  • Work closely with support services to deliver high‑standard care to patients and families.
• Workforce Integration & Practice
  • Develop and review volunteer roles, clarifying boundaries and expectations.
  • Support teams to integrate volunteers effectively into care.
  • Ensure appropriate supervision and support arrangements.
  • Identify and raise risks related to volunteer activity.
  • Promote safe, consistent, effective practice.
• Management, Support & Development of Volunteers
  • Daily management and oversight, including direct line management of designated roles.
  • Lead recruitment, selection and placement of volunteers per service need.
  • Oversee onboarding, induction, training and exit processes.
  • Address concerns or performance issues according to organisational processes.
  • Maintain oversight of volunteer wellbeing and experience.
  • Promote an inclusive, supportive environment.
• Delivery & Contribution to Services
  • Contribute to volunteer‑supported activity: bereavement groups, community programmes, wellbeing or support sessions.
  • Support delivery of education and ongoing development of volunteers.
  • Maintain a visible presence within services.
• Collaboration & Relationships
  • Work closely with inpatient, therapy, psychosocial and community leads.
  • Collaborate with HR, Education and Workforce colleagues on organisational volunteer strategy.
  • Act as a senior management team member, contributing to service development and operational oversight.
  • Build and maintain relationships across services and the community.
• Governance & Quality
  • Align volunteer activity with organisational policies and standards.
  • Contribute to clinical governance processes.
  • Evaluate impact of volunteer contribution on care and experience.
  • Use insight to improve services.
  • Maintain oversight of risks.
  • Practice within professional code of conduct and relevant guidelines.

General Responsibilities

Corporate Governance – Act honestly, comply with employment legislation and business conduct standards, and follow protocols published by Pilgrims Hospices.

Health & Safety – Responsible for personal and workplace health and safety in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Flexibility – Work flexibly across locations and hours, including evenings and weekends, to support volunteer activity, groups and community programmes.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, adapting the approach as needed.
• Strong interpersonal awareness, building trust and effective relationships across varying confidence and emotional needs.
• Positive leadership skills aligned with Pilgrims CODE values.
• Ability to lead, support and develop volunteers and support workforce.
• Confidence in giving feedback and managing sensitive or challenging situations.
• Maintain clear boundaries while remaining supportive and approachable.
• Professional judgement and risk assessment abilities.
• Practice evaluation and continuous improvement orientation.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills for competing demands.
• IT literacy, accurate record keeping.
• Willingness to travel across hospice sites and community settings.

Qualifications & Training

• Degree in a relevant subject.
• Registered healthcare professional (NMC/HCPC) or registered social worker (Social Work England).
• Evidence of continuing professional development, especially in palliative or end‑of‑life care.
• Experience in palliative or end‑of‑life care as a clinician.
• Qualification in leadership, education or service improvement (e.g., MSc in Practice Development).
• Additional training or qualification in palliative or end‑of‑life care.
• Experience working across multiple services or sites, influencing practice across teams.
• Sound knowledge of current professional and national palliative care issues.
• Understanding of volunteers’ contribution to care and holistic patient and family needs.

Recruitment Process

Disclosure and Barring Service Check – Applicants must undergo DBS for any criminal convictions, as required by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

About Pilgrims Hospices

Pilgrims Hospices is the lead provider of specialist palliative and end‑of‑life care in East Kent, serving a population of over 800000 in a largely rural area. We provide care for adults approaching the end of life across inpatient units, community settings and patients’ homes, supported by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, counsellors, occupational and physiotherapy therapists, social workers, complementary therapists, chaplains and wellbeing practitioners. Volunteers are essential to our mission and enhance the experience of patients and families.