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Job summary

Main area
Trustwide
Grade
Volunteer
Contract
Voluntary
Hours
Flexible working - 4 hours per week
Job ref
265-7340754
Employer
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire
Town
Northampton
Salary
Voluntary unpaid
Closing
31/07/2025 23:59
Interview date
20/08/2025

Employer heading

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust logo

NGH Volunteer

Volunteer

Job overview

Volunteer with Us at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire

Make a Difference Every Day – Support Patients, Staff, and Your Community

Are you looking for a rewarding way to give back, meet new people, and improve your wellbeing? Are you recently retired and have a few hours to spare to make a difference? Join our dedicated team of volunteers at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help us make a real difference to our patients and staff.

We’re currently seeking compassionate, reliable individuals to support our services across our hospitals Monday to Friday, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

We welcome volunteers from all abilities, backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. Everyone has something unique to offer and we are committed to ensuring our volunteers have a rewarding experience and their contributions are recognised.

Main duties of the job

How a volunteer can make a difference:

Supporting Patients
Bring comfort, conversation, and a helping hand to patients who need it most:

  • Book Trolley – Offer patients a selection of books and a friendly chat.
  • Hydration Rounds – Help ensure patients stay hydrated with regular drinks.
  • Mealtime Support – Assist patients at mealtimes to promote nutrition and dignity.
  • Reading & Companionship – Provide emotional support through conversation or reading to those who may feel isolated or alone.
  • Ward Buddy – Supporting patients and staff

 Supporting Our Staff
Help our hardworking staff focus on care by assisting with practical tasks:

  • Runner Volunteers – Collect and deliver items between wards and departments.
  • Wayfinding & Signposting – Greet visitors and patients and help them get to the right place quickly and confidently.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering is a fantastic way to:
Give something back to your local community
Improve your mental and emotional wellbeing
Combat loneliness and isolation
Build confidence and social skills
Be part of a friendly and supportive team

Whether you have a few hours a week or a full day to spare, your time will make a difference.

Please note: Volunteering roles are unpaid and do not offer sponsorship or lead directly to employment.

IMPORTANT - When you apply, in your supporting information please include the following:

• Why do you want to volunteer at the hospital? I.e. lived experience, make a difference, gain social skills, recently retired

Working for our organisation

Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values

Compassion

Respect

Integrity

Courageous

Accountable

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone’s full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.

The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.

We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please clearly state in your supporting statement which role you are interested in.

Please be aware due to the high interest in these roles the vacancy may close earlier than advertised.

If you need additional support completing your application form, please contact us on 01604 52 3159 to book an appointment with the team. 

For further information regarding the role responsibilities and duties please refer to the job description and person specification attached.

* Please note: If applicants do not meet the criteria, then the application will not be shortlisted. **

 

Person specification

Education, Training & Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • No specific qualifications are required for this role, although any relevant qualifications should be detailed on the application

Knowledge & Experience

Essential criteria
  • Show empathy and compassion towards others and treat people with dignity and respect
  • Experience assisting the public

Skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to communicate in a calm professional manner
Desirable criteria
  • Good interpersonal skills

Personal Qualities and Attributes

Essential criteria
  • Recognise when appropriate to seek support from others
  • Ability to exercise confidentiality and discretion
  • Reliable, honest, and punctual
  • Commitment and reliability to attending volunteering

Employer certification / accreditation badges

We are a Living Wage EmployerApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyMenopause Friendly EmployerPositive about disabled peopleJob share policyDisability confident leaderPathway to excellenceDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - SilverMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.We offer Wagestream - A financial wellbeing benefit which lets you access your pay as you earn it.ENEI Gold '22NHS Rainbow badgeAccessAbleNHS 75th BirthdayHappy to Talk Flexible WorkingNHS Rainbow Badge - BronzeArmed Forces Covenant111 Help Us Help YouCycle to Work

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Michelle Barnes
Job title
Deputy Head of Volunteer Services
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01604 523159
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