It can take as little as four to six weeks to complete the process of becoming a volunteer.
You must be aged 16 or over and be able to commit to three hours a week for six months.
Volunteer opportunities and application form
Current volunteer opportunities and application form
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities at ESNEFT and we would be happy to talk you through any role you are interested in.
Be assured, volunteering excludes personal care (bathing a patient, lifting a patient, taking a patient to the bathroom) and no “hands on” nursing type duties.
Equally our volunteers do not offer any advice on a patient’s health conditions or medication and do not actively participate in any clinical procedure or the supply/administration of medication.
So if you don’t have any experience in healthcare, don’t worry – you won’t need it.
Your induction, mandatory training and placement manager will supply you with all the information you need to know for your role.
What happens after I have applied?
The voluntary services team and/or your potential placement manager will have a chat with you to answer all your questions and find out a little bit about you. If it is required for the role we will also arrange one or more shadow shifts as part of your registration.
We will perform a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check depending upon the role you are interested in. We will require three forms of ID, as well as proof of right to work in the UK. We will guide you through this but if you would like to find out more, please visit the Gov.uk website.
We will request two references and carry out an online occupational health check.
You will be asked to complete an induction and mandatory training to give you the confidence and knowledge to be part of the volunteering team.
We will provide you with a volunteer polo shirt and/or fleece jacket, a hospital ID badge, free park and ride opportunities for Colchester and Ipswich, or free parking on all our sites.
Our voluntary services team will stay in contact with you throughout your volunteering journey. We will keep you updated with all news within the Trust, as well as other volunteer opportunities and support you with any questions you might have.
Our Voluntary Services team
We are here to support you throughout your journey with ESNEFT.
We will support you together with your placement manager or voluntary organisation.
We want you to have a positive experience and will listen to any of your concerns or issues.
Based at Ipswich Hospital, we work across the Trust at every site.
Our office opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Voluntary Services Office (N019), Entrance 15, Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 5PD
Telephone: 01473 704 473
I am looking for work experience
While volunteering will give you a real insight into hospital life you might be looking for a more short-term, observational experience.
Please visit our work experience page and contact our colleagues in the talent for care team.
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