How do I apply to be a volunteer at ESNEFT?
Have a look at our current volunteering opportunities (Opens in a new window). To express an interest in a specific role you just need to fill out the form in the advert.
Are there restrictions to volunteering at ESNEFT?
You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer with some roles carrying a higher minimum age limit. We ask for a minimum 6 month commitment covering one shift per week during this time.
What is the process of becoming a volunteer?
1. Apply online
Complete our short online form and submit it. We will review your online form and then send you a link to our application. If applying online is difficult for you, please contact us. Please note – incomplete forms will not be considered.
2. Informal meeting
We will meet face to face to talk about your interest in volunteering. We will take proofs of your identification. Dependent upon the role you are interested in, we can arrange a one-hour taster session.
If you are applying for a ward-based role, we may be able to arrange further taster shifts during the registration process.
3. Online checks
Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check, Occupational Health and references. If successful, we will set up online checks which are an essential part of the registration process.
We use your ID for the DBS check and we usually ask for two referees. The occupational health team will ask for proof of your vaccination history.
4. Complete online volunteer training
All volunteers are required to complete online training before they start in their role. Training includes topics such as patient confidentiality, infection control and safeguarding to name a few. Some roles will require role specific training which we will set up as required.
5. Induction
Once you have completed the online checks and training, we will arrange your induction. It will provide you with all the information you need to help you in your volunteering role at ESNEFT.
6. Start volunteering
How long does it take before I can start volunteering?
The time it takes to complete the registration process is largely down to you. On average it takes 6 – 8 weeks. You can help by submitting the forms quickly and being responsive to our communications. If you notify your referees that you have applied for a voluntary role it will really help to keep things moving.
What are the checks you carry out?
There is a mandatory requirement that we carry out a few checks before you start volunteering. This means volunteering with us is conditional based on the outcome of some or all these checks. The checks include:
Identity and right to work check
You will be asked to bring identity documents when we meet. We also use these documents to help us complete a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check.
DBS check
Most volunteering roles at ESNEFT require a DBS check. We will set you up with an online application via a system called TRAC. Please be aware that having a criminal record is not always a barrier to volunteering with us. We treat everyone on a case-by-case basis and ask for your complete honesty when talking to us. If you would like to discuss this before applying, please email the ESNEFT volunteers team.
References
We ask for details of two referees on the application form. They should be people you have known for at least three years and ideally in a professional capacity. We recognise this is not possible for all. If you struggle with this part of applying, please email the ESNEFT volunteers team, there may be some alternatives we can consider.
Occupational Health
Most volunteers undergo an occupational health check. This is to make sure we are not putting your health at risk through volunteering. Part of the check covers vaccinations for things like measles and chicken pox. You will be asked for proof of these and may be required to visit our occupational health department.
I am looking for work experience, can you help me?
ESNEFT offers work experience placements. Visit the work experience opportunities page for more information.
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