Q1. How do I apply for a work experience placement+
All work experience opportunities will be shown on the ‘Work Experience Page’. You can apply by clicking on the ‘application form’ link.
Once you have submitted your request, the Learning & Development Team will then contact the area directly and will inform you by email if your request has been successful or not. Please be aware there are limited spaces available.
Please note: Placements could take a few weeks to process. Due to clinical commitments and high number of applications we cannot guarantee a placement.
Q2. How long are work experience placements for?+
Work experience students will typically spend up to five days within the placement area.
Q3. If I apply today, can I do the work experience next week?+
The process can take a few weeks, please allow enough time for your application to be processed.
Q4. I’m emailing my work experience placement application so how can I sign it?+
To show that you’ve understood the terms and conditions, you can type your name and the date.
Q5. What happens at the end of my work experience placement?+
All students will take part in a debrief session and will have an opportunity to share their experiences with others. An evaluation form should also be completed during this session and you will then be presented with a work experience certificate.
Q1. Who can become a hospital volunteer?+
Almost anyone can be a volunteer! No matter what your background, we are likely to have a role for you. Our minimum age limit is 16 (18 in certain roles). All volunteers need to be comfortable working with others, happy to provide evidence of their vaccination history (updating any vaccinations you are missing) and commit to acting in line with our Trust values.
Q2. Do I have to have any specific skills for volunteering?+
Every person has something to offer as a volunteer in the NHS. You do not need to have a healthcare background or any specific skills or qualifications; in fact it’s a great way to learn new skills!
Q3. How many hours would I have to volunteer for?+
We ask that you commit to volunteer for a minimum of 3 hours per week for a minimum of 12 months, you can of course do more and we are flexible around holidays etc. The reason we have a minimum commitment is because preparation to become a volunteer is intensive and recruiting volunteers for any less time would be a cost to the Trust.
Q4. What expenses can I claim for volunteering?+
Volunteers can claim travel expenses (Maximum mileage allowance per claim of 20 miles each way). You are also entitled to a meal voucher when you complete a full shift.
Q5. Will volunteering affect my benefits?+
It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the conditions of your welfare benefits whilst volunteering. As legislation changes over time, we cannot offer individuals advice regarding volunteering and their benefits instead you should discuss this with the relevant benefits agency.
Q6. Will I receive training as a volunteer?+
Every volunteer attends an induction as well as training for all aspects of their role. Annually you will need to attend a mandatory training refresher so that you stay up to date with key topics such as fire safety, safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and data protection.
Q7. What is the application process?+
• The first step to becoming a volunteer is to attend a volunteer information session. This is mandatory for all prospective volunteers. To find out when these are please email Rosemary Crow on rosemary.crow@nhs.net
• You will then complete a volunteer application form.
• We invite you to an interview and ask you to bring along 3 forms of identity documentation.
• We then work with you to complete two references, a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (criminal record check) and an occupational health form.
• Once all your checks are back, we will invite you to attend and induction and match you to a role.
The full process takes approximately 6-8 weeks.
