Job overview

Please note that volunteering is an unpaid role – we are unable to offer sponsorship as volunteering does not meet UK sponsorship requirements. 

Volunteering with us is a chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of our patients and families. By giving your time, you will help improve care, support our staff, and make every day brighter for those who need it most.

Why volunteer?

·         Help patients and visitors feel welcome and supported.

·         Give back to your community and the NHS.

·         Join a warm, friendly team of volunteers.

About the roles:

·         Due to the nature of these volunteer roles, you must be 18 or older to apply for any of the roles listed below.

·         All roles are based Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

·         Outdoor Buggy Drivers must hold a driving license for at least 3 years.

Volunteer opportunities:

·         Response Volunteer

·         Paediatric Theatre Volunteer

·         Ward Volunteer

·         Outdoor Buggy Driver

Your commitment: Just 3–4 hours a week can make a real impact. A regular commitment is required. If you cannot commit to weekly volunteering please look out for future opportunities.

Main duties of the job

Paediatrics Theatre Volunteer

·         Greet children and parents / carers arriving for surgery and help them feel comfortable 

·         Stay in the reception area while the child is reviewed by clinical staff

·         Provide reassurance and friendly support to families throughout their visit

·         Befriend and engage with children waiting for surgery

·         Tidy the department and ensure toys are kept clean

·         Carry out other non‑clinical tasks requested by the nursing team

  Ward Volunteer

·         Spend time with patients, offering friendly conversation and a listening ear

·         Chat/read with patients who may not have visitors

·         Support with hydration by offering drinks, refilling water jugs, and encouraging patients to drink

·         Read to patients who may struggle to read themselves or simply enjoy being read to

·         Notice and support patients who may feel lonely or anxious

·         Create moments of calm, reassurance, and connection

 Outdoor Buggy Driver

·         To provide a comprehensive volunteer buggy service for the hospital 

·         Transport outpatients / visitors to departments and wards 

·         To greet & chat with outpatients or visitors on arrival and provide a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere 

·         Undertake visual safety checks at the start of the shift, reporting any issues immediately 

·         Outdoor Buggy – be courteous and considerate to all other road users 

Working for our organisation

Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close adverts once we have received sufficient applications

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is on an exciting journey with all of our divisions committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN). As part of this collaborative approach, there may be a requirement for you to work across both the Kettering and Northampton hospital sites, depending on the needs of the service.

Our Excellence Values

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Integrity
• Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across UHN and help to unleash everyone's full potential. 

UHN encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups.  We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme. 

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for UHN.