Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Enhanced Support Volunteer

The closing date is 08 December 2025

Job summary

Join Our Amazing Volunteer Team!

Make a real difference every day by supporting patients and staff in meaningful ways:

Bring Joy & CompanionshipSpend time visiting patients who may not have visitors. Chat, read, or enjoy activities togetheryour presence can brighten someones day!

Help at MealtimesSupport patients during meals by sitting with them, encouraging them to eat and drink, and ensuring food and drinks are within easy reach. You may assist patients on a 1-to-1 basis, making mealtimes a positive experience.

Shape the Patient ExperienceWork alongside our Patient Experience team by carrying out patient surveys on the wards. Your feedback helps us understand and improve the care we provide.

Be part of something special. Work for our team and make every moment count

Main duties of the job

Provide CompanionshipVisit patients who may not have visitors. Chat, read, or enjoy activities together.
Welcome Patients & VisitorsGreet patients, staff, or visitors on arrival and introduce yourself.
Assist at Mealtimes
- Sit with patients to encourage eating and drinking.
- Help on a 1-to-1 basis if needed.
- Ensure food and drinks are within easy reach.
End-of-Life SupportOffer comfort and support alongside staff for patients at end of life.
Support Patients with DementiaProvide reassurance and assistance as guided by staff.
Accompany PatientsEscort patients to further treatment areas (e.g., X-ray) when required.
Facilitate Virtual VisitingHelp patients connect with relatives via phone or video calls.
Improve Patient ExperienceCarry out patient surveys on wards to understand and enhance care.
Help with Meals & SnacksAssist the hostess in serving meals and delivering snacks.
Make Drinks & Tidy UpPrepare drinks for patients, visitors, and staff. Wash and tidy away crockery/cutlery.
Keep Bed Areas TidyRefill water jugs and maintain a clean, comfortable space.
Assist with Self-CareLay out toiletries and help patients when they finish.
Escort Low-Risk PatientsWalk with patients to the bathroom or around the ward.
Collect MedicationsPick up prescriptions from the pharmacy.
Make Shop PurchasesBuy items from the hospital shop on behalf of patients or relatives.

About us

We reserve the right to close positions early

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing Trust, currently rated Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and achieving significant progress in the delivery of our strategic objectives, including our ambition to be the best Place to Work

We scored best in the country in the most recent NHS Staff Survey for teamwork, compassionate leadership, and supporting work/life balance. In 2024's survey, the Trust also scored above average in every theme of the NHS People Promise the promise NHS colleagues make to each other to improve the experience of working in the NHS for everyone

We are proud of the commitment of our colleagues to ensuring a strong and sustainable future and our organisation is highly valued by our local communities

There has never been a better time to join Barnsley Hospital. It is moving at pace and a we can do this attitude is evident right through the organisation

Barnsley Hospital NHS FT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fair treatment to all applicants

For individuals who may require sponsorship under the skilled worker or health & care visa route please use the link on the right hand side of the advert to check your eligibility, please note that band 2 and 3 entry roles are no longer eligible for sponsorship

The cost of the DBS (criminal records check) for Band 6 and above roles will only be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction

Date posted

01 December 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience Voluntary Role

Contract

Voluntary

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

C9163-Volunteer-12-25

Job locations

Pogmoor Road

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 2EP

Job description

Job responsibilities

- Offer CompanionshipSpend time with patients who may not have visitorschat, read, or take part in activities to brighten their day.
- Provide a Warm WelcomeGreet patients, staff, and visitors on arrival and introduce yourself.
- Assist at Mealtimes
  - Support patients on a 1-to-1 basis if needed.
  - Sit with patients, encourage eating and drinking, and ensure food and drinks are within easy reach.
- End-of-Life SupportWork alongside staff to provide comfort and dignity for patients at end of life.
- Support Patients with DementiaOffer reassurance and assistance as guided by staff.
- Accompany PatientsEscort patients to other departments for treatment (e.g., X-ray) when required.
- Facilitate Virtual VisitsHelp patients connect with loved ones via phone or video calls.
- Enhance Patient ExperienceCarry out patient surveys on wards to gather feedback and improve care.
- Assist with Meals & SnacksHelp the hostess serve meals and deliver snacks to patients.
- Prepare Drinks & Tidy UpMake drinks for patients, visitors, and staff. Wash and tidy away crockery and cutlery.
- Maintain Bed AreasRefill water jugs and keep patient spaces clean and comfortable.
- Support Self-CareLay out toiletries and assist patients when they finish.
- Escort Low-Risk PatientsWalk with patients to the bathroom or around the ward.
- Collect MedicationsPick up prescriptions from the pharmacy.
- Make Shop PurchasesBuy items from the hospital shop on behalf of patients or relatives.
- Answer CallsTake messages when required (do not give advice).
- Provide General InformationOffer directions and public transport details to patients and visitors.
- Manage AccessOpen security-controlled doors when needed.
- Show Compassion & UnderstandingRespond appropriately to individual needs with empathy.
- Act as an AdvocateCommunicate patient or family concerns to the nursing team.
- Signpost to ProfessionalsDirect patients to the right staff or services as required.
- Respect Equality & DiversitySupport non-discriminatory practice and acknowledge personal beliefs and identity.
- Refer to Chaplaincy VolunteersSignpost patients to spiritual support when needed.
Make Shop PurchasesBuy items from the hospital shop on behalf of patients or relatives

Job description

Job responsibilities

- Offer CompanionshipSpend time with patients who may not have visitorschat, read, or take part in activities to brighten their day.
- Provide a Warm WelcomeGreet patients, staff, and visitors on arrival and introduce yourself.
- Assist at Mealtimes
  - Support patients on a 1-to-1 basis if needed.
  - Sit with patients, encourage eating and drinking, and ensure food and drinks are within easy reach.
- End-of-Life SupportWork alongside staff to provide comfort and dignity for patients at end of life.
- Support Patients with DementiaOffer reassurance and assistance as guided by staff.
- Accompany PatientsEscort patients to other departments for treatment (e.g., X-ray) when required.
- Facilitate Virtual VisitsHelp patients connect with loved ones via phone or video calls.
- Enhance Patient ExperienceCarry out patient surveys on wards to gather feedback and improve care.
- Assist with Meals & SnacksHelp the hostess serve meals and deliver snacks to patients.
- Prepare Drinks & Tidy UpMake drinks for patients, visitors, and staff. Wash and tidy away crockery and cutlery.
- Maintain Bed AreasRefill water jugs and keep patient spaces clean and comfortable.
- Support Self-CareLay out toiletries and assist patients when they finish.
- Escort Low-Risk PatientsWalk with patients to the bathroom or around the ward.
- Collect MedicationsPick up prescriptions from the pharmacy.
- Make Shop PurchasesBuy items from the hospital shop on behalf of patients or relatives.
- Answer CallsTake messages when required (do not give advice).
- Provide General InformationOffer directions and public transport details to patients and visitors.
- Manage AccessOpen security-controlled doors when needed.
- Show Compassion & UnderstandingRespond appropriately to individual needs with empathy.
- Act as an AdvocateCommunicate patient or family concerns to the nursing team.
- Signpost to ProfessionalsDirect patients to the right staff or services as required.
- Respect Equality & DiversitySupport non-discriminatory practice and acknowledge personal beliefs and identity.
- Refer to Chaplaincy VolunteersSignpost patients to spiritual support when needed.
Make Shop PurchasesBuy items from the hospital shop on behalf of patients or relatives

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

May be required to carry out any other relevant duties as required.
Will be expected to aspire to the Values of the Trust in their day to day work and behaviours in order to support the Trust in achieving its Vision.
Will make themselves familiar with, and adhere to, the policies and procedures of the Trust, and their area of work
Will be expected to undertake training, including mandatory and role specific training, relevant to their role and ensure it is renewed as required.
Will be clean, smart and of a presentable appearance, wearing name badge and uniform at all times.
Will be polite and courteous to patients, visitors/staff and colleagues.
Will be punctual and reliable.
Will be able to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
Will be sensitive and caring with an appreciation of the need to be responsive to patients from different cultures, backgrounds and religious faiths.
Will communicate clearly and effectively with both patients, carers and members of the public and staff.
Will adhere to the principles of patient confidentiality.
Will exercise discretion when working in sensitive situations.
Will accept supervision and direction from the ward nursing team and the Voluntary Services Coordinator
Will be expected to contact the Ward and the Voluntary Services Coordinator for any unplanned absence e.g. sickness

Experience

Essential

No experience required

Desirable

No experience required

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

May be required to carry out any other relevant duties as required.
Will be expected to aspire to the Values of the Trust in their day to day work and behaviours in order to support the Trust in achieving its Vision.
Will make themselves familiar with, and adhere to, the policies and procedures of the Trust, and their area of work
Will be expected to undertake training, including mandatory and role specific training, relevant to their role and ensure it is renewed as required.
Will be clean, smart and of a presentable appearance, wearing name badge and uniform at all times.
Will be polite and courteous to patients, visitors/staff and colleagues.
Will be punctual and reliable.
Will be able to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
Will be sensitive and caring with an appreciation of the need to be responsive to patients from different cultures, backgrounds and religious faiths.
Will communicate clearly and effectively with both patients, carers and members of the public and staff.
Will adhere to the principles of patient confidentiality.
Will exercise discretion when working in sensitive situations.
Will accept supervision and direction from the ward nursing team and the Voluntary Services Coordinator
Will be expected to contact the Ward and the Voluntary Services Coordinator for any unplanned absence e.g. sickness

Experience

Essential

No experience required

Desirable

No experience required

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Pogmoor Road

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 2EP

Employer's website

https://www.barnsleyhospital.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Pogmoor Road

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 2EP

Employer's website

https://www.barnsleyhospital.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)