How to apply

1. In order to apply to be a volunteer, please ensure that you are:
   • over 16 years old;
   • able to commit to a minimum of 3 hours per week;
   • able to commit to volunteering for at least six months (at least one to three months for temporary roles).
2. To ensure that we match your needs, skills and experiences with the right role, we carry out a volunteer recruitment process (see below). Recruitment processing times may vary depending on factors such as DBS check times, the return of references and  Occupational Health clearances. However, you can contact us at any time to find out what stage your application is at.
3. A list of our volunteering vacancies may be found on our current opportunities page.  To apply, please complete the online application form - http://bttr.im/hoduc 
   If you are unable to complete the application form online and require a hard copy , please contact bht.services.voluntary@nhs.net.   When you have completed your application form, please email it back to us at the same address.

What do we look for in a volunteer?

Before you can start volunteering at the Trust there are a few checks to go through.

1. Pre screening requirements
   • Volunteers must abide by all Trust policies, including health and safety procedures, patient confidentiality guidelines, safeguarding and customer service expectations.
   • All volunteers are required to undergo a routine health screening and background checks prior to volunteering at the Trust.
2. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
   • We will undertake a background check to determine if you have any previous offences - this includes police cautions.
   • You will need to bring proof of residence and identity when you come in to complete the DBS check.A copy of the list of approved forms of ID is available by clicking here.
   • Any previous offences will not necessarily exclude you from volunteering at the Trust and it is important to be honest with us in the registration process. Any disclosures will be treated in the strictest confidence.
   • When you are cleared by DBS, occupational health and your referees, we will contact you to discuss next steps, including further training, induction and key information about your role.
   • DBS checks and references can take up to six weeks to be cleared, so please expect your starting date to be potentially up to six weeks after this.
3. Health screening
   • The aim of health screening is to:
   • ensure you are fit to carry out the mental and physical tasks of your intended volunteer role without risk to yourself, your colleagues or patients
   • identify whether role or task modification or additional support is required and where possible to ensure it is in place prior to starting your role
4. Personal references
   • We require two references of character and ability to undertake volunteering from people that are not relatives or close friends. These could be from an employer or organisation that you volunteer for (past or present), a teacher or tutor, a club leader, a religious or cultural leader, case worker or social worker. If you are unsure who you can approach for references please contact us.
5. Induction and training
   If you are accepted as a volunteer, you will be asked to:
   • attend one-day volunteer basic training or complete online training modules
   • attend an induction with Voluntary Services and your department
   • attend further training days for your role, if necessary
   • read and sign a volunteer agreement
6. Dress code
   The following requirements are standard for all volunteers:
   • All staff and volunteers must wear their photo identification at all times when on the Trust premises. This is to ensure our staff, volunteers, patients and visitors are as safe and secure as possible.
   • Volunteers must be in an approved uniform or acceptable clothing at all times when they are on the Trust premises or representing the Trust at a public event.
   • If working in a clinical area, volunteers must be bare below the elbow.
   • If in a clinical area, jewellery must be used in moderation - no large earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, rings or watches.
   • If in a clinical area, nail polish or false nails are not allowed.
     Specific departments may have further guidelines due to the nature of the tasks you will be completing.