How to apply

Before you can start volunteering at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UH Sussex), you will need to follow a few required procedures and checks. We need to check that you are right for a role in the hospital and that we have the appropriate role for you.

As you have chosen to volunteer in a hospital and more likely in a clinical setting, it is of the utmost importance that we ensure your health, safety and those who you may encounter throughout your volunteering with us.

Volunteers must agree to all hospital policies, including health and safety procedures, patient confidentiality, guidelines, safeguarding children and all related voluntary Services policies and procedures.

All volunteers are required to undergo a routine health screening and background checks prior to working at the hospital.

We will, if necessary, undertake a DBS (background) check to determine if you have had any previous offences – this includes police cautions, warnings and reprimands.

You will need to bring proof of residence and identity when you come in to complete the DBS check. Please refer to the list of supporting documents supplied to you at notification of interview for more information on what you will need to supply to aid your application.

Any previous offences will not necessarily exclude you from volunteering, but it is important to be honest with us in the registration process. Any disclosures will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you are accepted as a volunteer, you will be asked to:

• Complete the required Statutory and Mandatory Training (STAM) modules as required for your role, including Safeguarding Adults and Children, Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity and Information Governance, Fire Safety, Manual Handling and Infection Control.
• You may be asked to undertake further training for your role where required.
• You must also complete any refresher training at the required intervals i.e. online or attend any volunteer forums to keep updated on issues related to the hospital and receive supervision and support.

This is a required health check that all members of the Trust workforce (including volunteers) must undertake prior to starting any role (paid or unpaid) at the Trust. 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 you starting your role
• ensure this is accurately identified, discussed and agreed with the Trust
• provide an assured process to the Trust when adjustments are not required
• Patient facing roles require confirmation of childhood immunisation e.g. for tuberculosis, chickenpox, rubella, mumps, measles to ensure both you and our patients are protected.

We require two references of character and ability to undertake volunteering from people that are not relatives or close friends. If you are unsure who you can approach for references, please contact us.