Volunteering

Frequently asked questions

• I want to volunteer - how do I apply?

Take a look at our current volunteer opportunities on our website. Once you’ve found a role you’re interested in, complete the online application form for that role. There is an application form at the bottom of each vacancy page.

A member of our People Services team will then get in touch to chat about what happens next. This might include visiting the volunteering location for an informal chat with the line manager or taking part in a ‘shadow shift’ where you can try out the role.

For some roles, there may be a more formal recruitment process we follow in line with our policy, such as a phone call, followed by an interview.

If you would like further information about a role before you apply online, you can email or call 01905 763963.

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• How old do I need to be?

You can start volunteering with us in some roles from the age of 14. If you’re under 18, we’ll need permission from a parent or guardian, and you may not be able to do some roles.

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• How much time do I need to give?

There’s no minimum amount of time you need to commit to volunteering.

Some roles are better if you can make a regular commitment, like one shift a week or fortnightly. If you get involved with our fundraising events, your involvement can be more informal. You and your line manager would agree what fits with your availability while also meeting the needs of the role and hospice.

If you’re availability doesn’t work with a specific opportunity, we can suggest another opportunity, where possible.

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• Can I volunteer if I live outside the UK?

Yes. You’ll need to make sure your visa or immigration status allows you to volunteer in the UK. You can check with UK Visas and Immigration on the government website: UK Visas and Immigration – GOV.UK

St Richard’s Hospice is not able to sponsor or support visa applications.

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• Can I volunteer if I'm receiving benefits?

Yes. You can find full details on the government website: Volunteering and claiming benefits – GOV.UK

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• Can I volunteer if I'm a refugee or asylum seeker?

Yes. You can volunteer with us if you have refugee status or exceptional leave to remain, or if you’re an asylum seeker. You’ll need to stop volunteering if your final appeal is refused and you’re denied leave to remain.

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• Is training provided?

Yes. The training you’ll receive depends on your role – for example, a volunteer who provides emotional and practical support to patients and families may take part in communications training, while a volunteer in one our shops would learn the duties of the role alongside experienced team members.

Everyone will receive an induction to their role and on-going support from a named line manager.

You can find out more on our dedicated training page.

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• How will I be kept up to date during my volunteering?

Your line manager will keep you informed about what’s happening locally. This is usually through regular chats, either in a group or one-to-one during your volunteering, or by email.

Across the wider organisation, we mainly share information by email. If you can, it’s great for you to provide us with an email address that we can use to stay in touch.

If you don’t use email, your line manager will make sure you get any important updates in another way.

We also have our monthly email newsletter called ‘In Touch’. This is full of news, stories, and updates from across the hospice and our volunteering community.

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• Do you have a Volunteering Agreement?

Yes. Our Volunteering Agreement outlines the relationship between volunteers and St Richard’s Hospice, promoting volunteering experiences that are positive and built on mutual respect.

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• Will I be paid?

No, you will not be paid as a volunteer. We can reimburse agreed travel expenses between your home and your nearest volunteering location.

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