Volunteering

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities or additional needs. We want our volunteers to reflect the diversity of the people we support and welcome applications from individuals across all the communities we serve. Volunteers, like all people in the NHS workforce, are required to undertake recruitment checks, which include:

• right to work in the UK
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
• occupational health
• appropriate references

Please note that having something on your DBS does not automatically stop you volunteering - the Trust simply completes a risk assessment.

You’ll start by looking at volunteering opportunities available. When we have a vacancy, we list it here on our website.  When you find a role you like, you’ll complete a short application form, which you can download to apply. Pay particular attention to the requirements for the role. Once your application has been reviewed, you may be invited for an informal chat or interview to help us get to know you.

To keep everyone safe, all volunteers complete standard pre-volunteering checks outlined in the previous ‘Who can volunteer?’ section before starting. Our team can support and guide you through the recruitment process to complete these requirements.     

A volunteer role description will be available for you to review before completing your application form. This outlines duties, boundaries and requirements of the role you are applying for. A volunteer role enhances (but does not replace) paid staff.

At GMMH, we are committed to providing you with the required training, induction and support to enable you to work safely in an NHS environment as a volunteer. A named member of staff will be identified to support and supervise you. This helps ensure the volunteering experience is meaningful for you and supports safe practice for all, as our service users are often vulnerable adults and children. 

Once you have returned your completed application form to the contact detailed in the advertisement by the closing date, the process can generally take six to eight weeks, but sometimes longer. This includes time to receive clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), health checks and appropriate references. Before you start, you’ll complete some essential training and sign your Volunteer Agreement – which is a shared understanding of what you can expect from GMMH and what the Trust expects from you.