Frequently Asked Questions
1) How long does the application process take?
We aim to get you started as soon as we can, on average the application process can take around 4-6 weeks to complete*. This is because the volunteer coordinator will need to meet with you, verify your identification, send and await the return of references, Disclosure/Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) paperwork and for some volunteers specific health screening following the Pandemic may be required. We also need to arrange induction and mandatory training for volunteers and finally introduce you to the team or department you will be volunteering with.
Please be assured we are keen for you to start as quickly as we can!
*Some roles require potential volunteers to attend and complete a relevant training programme before being accepted. This is clearly detailed on the relevant pages.
2) How can I speed up the process?
By ensuring that your details are all in order and available when requested will help. You should alert your referees to the importance of replying quickly and if you need to have Disclosure, Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG), or occupational health screening processed you should ensure you return this paperwork quickly. If you are applying online, please double check any email addresses for yourself and your referees particularly telephone numbers and email addresses.
When you meet with your Co-ordinator or when asked to do so you should bring/provide identification relavant for the level of Disclosure check required for the Volunteer Role. Your co-ordinator will advise you but as example it could be:
- two forms of photographic personal identification and one document confirming your address (must be less than three months old), or
- three forms of photographic personal identification with at least one of them confirming your address (must be less than three months old)
- You may also be asked to provide a photograph for your ID badge electronically if you co-ordinator requires this
3) Do I need qualifications?
Generally, no. However a few of our roles would require you to evidence your ability to practice in for example; complementary therapies or have certificates in food hygiene or qualified to drive.
4) Can I get a qualification, recognition or an award by volunteering with NHS Grampian?
Although we do not offer any formal qualifications, in return for your commitment to volunteer, we offer you the opportunity to gain new skills or improve on existing ones. Volunteering can help individuals prepare or indeed return to the workplace, gain confidence, learn new skills and enter or re-enter paid employment.
There are however some awards for volunteering, particularly young people. We do also pride ourselves in recognising the contribution that our volunteer make and award them with certificates of recognition and service.
Saltire Awards – Celebrating youth volunteering in Scotland
5) How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Our minimum age for volunteering is 16 years of age, but some roles do have further restrictions on this minimum age which will be detailed on the advertisements. We do not have an upper age limit for volunteering.
6) I have a criminal record, can I still volunteer?
Yes, you can, with some limitations.
Depending on the nature of your criminal record, you may not be able to take up some volunteering roles but a variety of others may still be open to you. If you wish to discuss this confidentially prior to applying, please contact the local volunteer co-ordinator for the role you are interested in.
7) How much time do I need to volunteer and how long can I volunteer for?
Whether you have little or lots of time to give there should be something there for you!
In most roles there is a minimum commitment for the session but this will vary from role to role, normally the minimum would be 2 hours weekly. Volunteers attend weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Some attend more than one session per week, again depending on the role. We would advise potential volunteers to take into consideration travel time and methods in choosing their preferred role and location to volunteer.
Length of Commitment - Volunteering is about free will and your choices. Some roles are time-bound and may have an end date whilst most are open ended. In some cases, particularly where the role involves extensive training or engaging with a particular group of patients it might important for volunteers to engage on a medium to long-term basis of three, six or twelve months minimum. You should discuss this with your volunteer coordinator. We would always recommend a minimum of 6 months commitment where possible.
NHS Grampian appreciates the commitment of our volunteers. Every year during National Volunteers Week, the Voluntary Services Team distribute long services awards for 1, 5, 10 and 15 years' plus service.
8) How will I be supported in my role?
Every volunteer is supported. Depending on the way the volunteer management programme is structured this might be from the volunteer manager or co-ordinator; a member of staff where your volunteering takes place or you may have a volunteer buddy.
9) Can I still claim benefits whilst volunteering?
Yes. Claimants of welfare benefits such as Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance are allowed to volunteer without losing their benefits. However, you must make sure that you are available to meet the conditions of receiving those benefits. We recommend that you tell your volunteer coordinator that you are claiming benefits, especially if there is a chance your situation could change at short notice, for example if you are seeking paid work.
10) Can I volunteer together with my family or friends?
Yes of course! Volunteering with a friend or family member can be an even more rewarding experience and many of our roles would be suitable for this. Please contact our co-ordinators for further details.
11) Can I claim expenses for travel, etc.?
NHS Grampian will reimburse costs of travelling to and from your volunteering placement, including attending any training sessions. Further information available from your co-ordinator as part of your induction or in advance or your application if required by contacting gram.volunteer@nhs.scot
12) Can I use my volunteering placement for a reference?
We will always provide a reference for our volunteers following a minimum commitment of 3 months.
13) What should I wear when volunteering?
All volunteers are provided with a uniform T-shirt or Polo Shirt. Wearing a uniform is required to ensure that volunteers are easily identifiable and for infection control purposes – e.g. hospital wards. For some locations and roles you may be provided with alternative options or indeed be able to wear your own clothing. Your co-ordinator will discuss our expectations around dress code at your induction. We do also suggest quiet, comfortable footwear.
14) Will I receive training?
NHS Grampian has developed a programme of training and development for all our volunteers. All volunteers will participate in a general induction course that covers key issues such as confidentiality, boundaries, safeguarding and health and safety. Volunteers also receive a one to one local induction specific to their role and the location they are volunteering. Elements of your induction may be ‘virtually’ via Microsoft teams, in person or by self-managed learning online.
15) What happens if I want to take a break or change my volunteering session?
We ask our volunteers to make a minimum commitment of six months this is to ensure consistency to our patients and families and staff teams. However, we understand that things can change and that from time to time volunteers are not able to volunteer as planned. In these circumstances, we are keen that volunteers speak to their Co-ordinator who may be able to arrange an alternative placement at a time or location that suits better or negotiate a break and stay in touch with you until you are able to recommence volunteering if you plan to do so.
16) What happens if I want to stop volunteering altogether?
It can sometimes be hard for volunteers to say that they want to stop volunteering but it is helpful if a volunteer wants to end their commitment, they let their Co-ordinator know as early as possible of their intentions. This allows an opportunity to gather feedback on your experience so we can continually improve the volunteer experience, so we are aware of the vacancy and can begin to recruit a replacement. We also of course like to be able to say thank you and good bye.
Importantly, if you feel that something is seriously wrong, you feel unsafe or someone is treating you badly please raise this with your co-ordinator immediately in order for us to best support you and improve the situation.
17) How will I be kept safe while volunteering?
Each role is risk assessed regularly to ensure that appropriate measures remain in place to mitigate risk for our volunteers. Volunteers participate in a comprehensive induction programme which address a number of safety issues such as infection control, fire safety and more. You will also be supported by your local Volunteer Co-ordinator with relevant training and skills updates required for your role. Avoiding the ‘one size fits all’ ensures our volunteers are most appropriately trained and supported for their specific role with the intention of providing a skilled volunteer and quality volunteering experience.
18) Where can I go if NHS Grampian does not have a vacancy that is suitable for me?
If you do not find something of interest to you, please keep checking our website for new opportunities. If there are no opportunities that are at the right time or location for you, we can signpost volunteers to their local Volunteer Centre who would be able to provide support to find a suitable volunteering opportunity:
19) What’s the difference between volunteering and work experience?
Volunteering - In NHS Scotland volunteers are engaged to complement the role of a paid member of staff, not to replace it. You don’t have to volunteer full time. It could be a one-off project or a weekly commitment that you could fit around your work or studies but is normally an ongoing commitment to an organisation.
Work Experience - is primarily spending time shadowing and observing in order to understand a role better. As well as getting involved in routine tasks to help support the organisation in a very practical way, participants have the opportunity to experience essential work based skills such as time keeping, team working, problem solving and working collaboratively. No hands on clinical experience is allowed within the hospital settings, to ensure the safety of both the patient and the individual on placement. Often full time for a short, defined period of time.
Available for school students 4th year and above, Students and Adults*
*who are not in fulltime education and who are thinking about a career change
Further Information on work experience in NHS Grampian available is available via the following link:
Work Experience in NHS Grampian
Published: 22/06/2022 15:52