Volunteering FAQ
If you have any questions which are not included on this list, feel free to contact us using the details at the bottom of the page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the application take?
Once your application begins to be processed, the application normally takes 2-3 weeks, but will depend on a number of factors, for example the time it takes to receive your DBS certificate and reference clearances.
How old do I have to be?
We accept applications to become a volunteer in clinical areas from people aged 18 and over. There is no upper age limit for volunteering as long as you are able to carry out your role. If you’re under 18 and looking for work experience, please visit the work experience web pages. Due to the amount of supervision required, we have very limited placements for under 18’s and these will be in non-clinical areas.
How long do I have to stay?
Many of our volunteers have been with us for many years, the average is currently over five years. We ask our volunteers to plan to commit to us for a minimum period of six months.
How many hours do I have to give?
You can give as little or as much time as you are happy to give. However, in order for our volunteers to be fully integrated into the team we prefer our volunteers to give a minimum of four hours a week.
What do we look for in a volunteer?
- A warm, friendly personality.
- Being comfortable approaching people to offer assistance.
- Good communication skills.
- Treating people with dignity and respect and upholding confidentiality.
- Reliability and commitment to the work of the voluntary services department.
What type of roles do volunteers do?
We have a variety of different roles that can be tailored to meet both yours and the placement areas requirements. Below are some typical roles that may be available at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust:
- Ward Buddies
- Meeters and greeters
- Macmillan cancer support
- Receptionists/clerical work
- Social support/befriending/visiting patients
- Chaplaincy volunteers, including Sunday escorts to worship
- Coffee shop volunteers
- Patient focus groups/patient experience surveys
- Public and patient involvement activities
Can I choose where I want to volunteer?
We make every effort to match volunteer skills and requirements but are limited to the voluntary roles available at the time of application.
Do I have to attend any training?
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic all our training is currently undertaken remotely using United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust on line ELearning platform.
It is possible that if the COVID-19 situation improves in the future, some training will revert back to face to face classroom environments.
If you would like to find out more details of the current volunteer training requirements please email our Volunteer Training team at [email protected].
Or alternatively contact us on any of the numbers below;
For Lincoln and Louth sites – (01522) 597838
For Pilgrim and Grantham sites – (01205) 446873
Any additional on the job training relevant to the area you will be volunteering in will be provided as required.
Who looks after the volunteers?
The voluntary services department is responsible for overall management of you as a volunteer. We will ensure things run smoothly and will support a volunteer in any aspect of their placement.
On a day-to-day basis, you will have a named contact (placement volunteer supervisor), who is a paid member of staff who works in the area you will be volunteering in, and is your initial point of contact.
What if I don’t like my placement?
Once you’ve been offered your placement you will have the opportunity for regular reviews with your placement volunteer supervisor to discuss your progress. If you are still unhappy with your placement, it may be possible for you to be placed in a different location. You can also contact the voluntary services team if you have any outstanding concerns or questions that cannot be resolved by your supervisor.
I want to volunteer what do I do next?
Simply Contact a member of the Voluntary Services team by telephone or email:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone:
For Lincoln and Louth sites – (01522) 597838
For Pilgrim and Grantham sites – (01205) 446873