Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Pets As Therapy Volunteer

The closing date is 23 December 2025

Job summary

Opportunities across all of our services in Devon, including North Devon, South Devon and Exeter- days/times negotiable to suit

A friendly well-behaved Therapy dog is often a welcoming sight for patients as well as staff. In this role you will provide a valuable service by helping to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals.

You are to act under the direction of the staff to provide a patient visiting service accompanied by the volunteers trained dog who must be registered with one of the following charities:

Pets as Therapy
Bales Buddies -Therapy Dogs Nationwide

Only those patients who have given their consent for a visit can be approached. Consideration must be given to patients who prefer not to be in close proximity to dogs, or to those patients or staff members who may suffer an allergic response.Please note we will review applications on a regular basis so please do not delay in applying for this role.

Main duties of the job

What you will be doing

Under the direction of staff, to chat to patients who have expressed a wish to have a visit from the Therapy Dog
Act in a sensitive manner with due regard to patient privacy, cognitive abilities and cultural beliefs
Contribute to a safe, caring and stimulating environment
Maintain the confidentiality of patients, their carers, staff and volunteers
Know ones boundaries and if reached, seek further information and support from ward staff

The skills you need

Good interpersonal and communication skills
Discreet and non-judgemental
Genuine interest in people
Sensitive to others

What's in it for you

Meet new people
Be part of an amazing team
Gain new skills or use existing ones
Gain experience in a hospital setting

Requirements

You must be 18 or over
To complete all relevant checks before commencing the role including references and DBS
All volunteers are required to complete the Trusts Induction, mandatory and statutory training and relevant refreshers thereafter, along with any other relevant training that is required for the role.
To adhere to the Volunteer Handbook
To maintain communication with the line manager and report any concerns immediately
Health and safety procedures must be adhered to at all times
To adhere to the data protection and confidentiality agreement
Reimbursement of travel expenses (subject to our policy)
References can be provided after 6 months of volunteering

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Date posted

24 June 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience This is a voluntary role

Contract

Voluntary

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-25-0506

Job locations

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF

Job description

Job responsibilities

What you will be doing

Under the direction of staff, to chat to patients who have expressed a wish to have a visit from the Therapy Dog

Act in a sensitive manner with due regard to patient privacy, cognitive abilities and cultural beliefs

Contribute to a safe, caring and stimulating environment

Maintain the confidentiality of patients, their carers, staff and volunteers

Know ones boundaries and if reached, seek further information and support from ward staff

Job description

Job responsibilities

What you will be doing

Under the direction of staff, to chat to patients who have expressed a wish to have a visit from the Therapy Dog

Act in a sensitive manner with due regard to patient privacy, cognitive abilities and cultural beliefs

Contribute to a safe, caring and stimulating environment

Maintain the confidentiality of patients, their carers, staff and volunteers

Know ones boundaries and if reached, seek further information and support from ward staff

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Must be registered under Pets as Therapy or Bales Buddies - Therapy Dogs Nationwide
Must be over 18

The skills you need

Essential

Good interpersonal and communication skills
Discreet and non-judgemental
Genuine interest in people
Sensitive to others

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Must be registered under Pets as Therapy or Bales Buddies - Therapy Dogs Nationwide
Must be over 18

The skills you need

Essential

Good interpersonal and communication skills
Discreet and non-judgemental
Genuine interest in people
Sensitive to others

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.