Volunteering - Frequently Asked Questions

What volunteering positions are available?
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has a number of volunteering opportunities. We may be able to offer limited volunteering roles in other areas, but cannot guarantee this. To apply for work experience or work shadowing please visit the work experience pages.

Who can apply?
If you are aged 16 or over you are eligible to become a volunteer. We are always looking for motivated people who have time to give support to the Trust in a number of areas.

Why do I need to complete an application form?
It is a requirement of the NHS that you complete an application form for us to obtain your details and also to ensure that we match you with an appropriate volunteering role.

Why do I have to have employment checks?
Due to the nature of volunteering in the NHS we need to undertake employment checks on anyone working, paid or unpaid, on our premises in order to protect patients.

I have not worked – who can supply my references?
We require two references from individuals who have known you for at least three years. These can be from employers, but if you have not recently been employed these can be from other sources such as teacher or tutor, religious or cultural leader, case worker, community or social worker or family doctor. Friends, close relatives and family friends are not permissible and will not be accepted. We must have two references and they must cover at least a three year period. If you are unable to provide two references, or they do not cover three years we will be unable to accept your application.

Why do I need a health check?
It is important for us to establish that you are fit to undertake the role you are volunteering for and to identify if any modifications are required to assist you to undertake the role.

How long does the application process take?
Once you have completed and submitted your application form durng one of our application periods you will be invited to an interview day. On the interview day you will have an informal interview which lasts about 10 minutes. Once you have been successful we will request your CRB and Occupational Health clearance. When we get all this information back and your references have been approved your file will be passed to the area where you wish to volunteer. You will then be contacted by the Matron or Team leader to arrange a start date. You will be required to attend a Trust induction prior to starting. 

How will you contact me?

The majority of our contact will be through email, so please make sure that you provide us with an email address if possible and do keep checking your emails.

Unfortunately at present we are not accepting any new volunteer applications. We will be recruiting new volunteers later in the year, and the application dates will be publicised on the Trust webpages. Please regularly review the pages for an update.