How To Apply
Our applications for new volunteers open at quarterly intervals throughout the year. This is normally in January, April, July and October. However, this can change depending on how many volunteers are required per quarter and the roles available. Our website is updated as and when applications open.
If you would like to apply to be a member of either Think4Brum or YPAG, please use our online application specifically for these youth advisory groups.
Breastfeeding Peer Support and Chaplaincy applicants should complete the Expression of Interest form.
Otherwise, please apply online using our Volunteer application form
Documents and information you’ll need
You’ll need at least three forms of identification to complete the application process. You will need to be able to provide documents that prove:
- Your identity information, such as a passport, identity card, photo driving licence or UK birth certificate
- Your right to work in the UK (even though you are only volunteering, we are obliged to check this)
- Your address
- Your age, such as a passport, driving licence or UK birth certificate.
You’ll also need details of:
- Any convictions or police cautions.
You may also need access to:
- Your immunisation record (your GP might have a copy of this).
Volunteer criteria
Volunteer Services does not manage work experience or student placements. Please contact our Aspire programme or the relevant department directly if this is what you are looking for.
To ensure we match you to the needs, skills and experiences with the right role, we must carry out a thorough process to find out more about you, what you can bring to volunteering and what you want to get out of your volunteering.
To join our team of volunteers, you must be at least 16 years of age. Please note that if you are under 18 years of age, you will need your parent/guardian’s permission to volunteer
The recruitment process can take up to three months before you actually start in your new role, although this is only an average time scale. The process may take shorter or longer depending on factors outside of our control, such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, obtaining references, health clearance, training and role availability.
You must meet the criteria below:
- Be 16 years old and over
- Be reliable, trustworthy, motivated, friendly and flexible
- Be able to commit to a minimum of three to four hours per week
- Be able to commit to at least 6 months
- Be emotionally mature, have the ability to deal with difficult situations and be sensitive to others
Pre-screening requirements (before you can volunteer with us)
Volunteers must abide by all hospital policies, including health and safety procedures, patient confidentiality guidelines, safeguarding children and customer service expectations.
All volunteers are required to undergo a routine health screening and background checks prior to volunteering at BWC.
Criminal record check - DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)
We will undertake an enhanced background check to determine if you have any previous offences – this includes police cautions, warnings and reprimands.
You will need to provide proof of residence and identity to complete the DBS check.
Any previous offences will not necessarily exclude you from volunteering at BWC and it is important to be honest with us in the registration process. Any disclosures will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Health declaration
The aim of health screening is to:
- Ensure you are fit to carry out the mental and physical tasks of your intended volunteer role without risk to yourself, your colleagues or patients
- Identify whether role or task modification or additional support is required and where possible, to ensure it is in place prior to you starting your role
- Ensure this is accurately identified, discussed and agreed with the Trust
- Provide an assured process to the Trust when adjustments are not required
You must declare that you have had your childhood vaccinations and believe yourself to have immunity to tuberculosis, chickenpox, rubella, mumps, and measles to ensure both you and our patients are protected.
Personal references
We require two references of character and ability to undertake volunteering from people who are not relatives or close friends. These could be from an employer or organisation that you volunteer for (past or present), a teacher or tutor, a club leader, a religious or cultural leader, case worker or social worker.
Induction and training
If you are accepted as a volunteer, you will be asked to:
- complete online training modules, including safeguarding children, health and safety, equality and diversity and information governance
- Attend induction and tour of the hospital
- If applicable attend further training relevant to your role
- Read and sign a volunteer agreement
- Complete any refresher training from time to time
What if we are unable to find a suitable volunteering role for you?
Volunteering at BWC is competitive and it is not always possible to place everyone who applies to be a volunteer. Sometimes people applying to be volunteers don’t have the right skills, experience or time commitment we are looking for.
We work hard to accommodate as many people as possible, which is why we ask you all kinds of questions, not only the areas you would like to volunteer in, but what other skills you have that might help us place you.
Please be aware that at any time during the recruitment process – application, registration, interview and training – deselection might happen.
If we are unable to place you, we may be able to assist you in finding alternative volunteering roles, either in another hospital setting or through your local Volunteer Centre.