NHS Lothian uses a demand led approach to the recruitment and placing of volunteers. This approach means that volunteers are placed where they can make the biggest difference to patients, families and services and enables interesting and meaningful volunteer roles. The demand led recruitment process has four steps.
- The Voluntary Services Team work closely with services and patients to identify where and how volunteers can add value
- Together they create a role description which identifies tasks to be completed and the attributes, skills and knowledge required for the task
- The vacancy is advertised (see examples of the kinds of roles read the volunteering opportunities page)
- On receiving applications there is a selection process to ensure that the right volunteer is matched with the right vacancy
Requirements to volunteer with NHS Lothian
Volunteers are:
- aged 16 or over
- able to make a regular commitment of two or more hours a week
- for a minimum of six months
- receive satisfactory appropriate clearance from Disclosure Scotland
- receive occupational health clearance for agreed role
- satisfactorily participate in mandatory training
The Application and Selection Process
Application Pack
To apply to volunteer please thoroughly explore these website pages to and then complete our online application form.
Preparing for Interview
Once we have reviewed an application form and it meets our minimum criteria, applicants will be invited to attend an interview with one of the Voluntary Services Team. These are currently held online via MS Teams but alternative arrangements can be made if required. Interviews are semi-formal and usually last between 30 and 45minutes.
Volunteering within NHS Lothian is a unique opportunity and it is not for everyone. Our interviews provide a chance for us to assess the applicant’s suitability to volunteer with NHS Lothian and to provide a space for applicants to ask any questions they may have. During the interview applicants will be asked a series of questions which relate to experience and skills, NHS Lothian’s values, volunteering in a healthcare setting and the role(s) applied for.
Based on the answers provided the Voluntary Services Team will determine if the applicant is suitable to progress to training. Where an applicant is unsuccessful at this stage, feedback can be provided as well as information on alternative volunteering opportunities.
How Volunteers Are Supported
Each NHS Lothian site has an assigned Voluntary Services Manager who is responsible for the recruitment, placement and support of volunteers for that site. The Voluntary Services Manager will be in regular contact with the volunteer to ensure that everything is going smoothly and the volunteer is confident, comfortable and enjoying their role. The Voluntary Services Manager will also provide:
- support to address any issues
- information and updates
- additonal training on themes such as dementia awareness
- facilitated peer support
- newsletters
- expenses
- references
