Ward Support Volunteer

Job summary

A Ward Support Volunteer is a non-clinical role designed to support patients and help create a warm, welcoming and positive experience on the ward. Volunteers will provide companionship and appropriate non-clinical support, helping patients feel comfortable, valued and supported while enabling nursing staff to focus on clinical care

Volunteers will support patients with refreshments and conversation and assist with non-clinical mealtime activities, helping to improve the overall patient experience during what can often be an anxious time

Volunteers will not provide clinical care, assist with personal care, administer or handle medication, undertake clinical observations or assessments, or undertake any activity requiring clinical judgement. Volunteers will work within the boundaries of their role and will refer any concerns about a patient's wellbeing to a member of the nursing team. Volunteers will receive local ward induction and day-to-day operational supervision from designated ward staff

Main duties of the job

• Assist with the serving and distribution of meals and refreshments in accordance with ward procedures and staff guidance
• Offer and encourage patients to have appropriate drinks, in accordance with staff guidance, and report any concerns about a patient's ability or willingness to drink to the nursing team
• Support patients to have a comfortable mealtime experience and inform nursing staff if a patient requires assistance with personal care or hygiene
• Spend time with patients, offering companionship, conversation and a friendly presence
• Directing patients and visitors to appropriate staff or services where required
• Assist with agreed non-clinical tidying and maintaining a welcoming environment, in accordance with ward procedures
• Return designated non-clinical or approved ward equipment to the equipment library in accordance with Trust procedures and staff instructions. Volunteers will not clean, maintain, inspect or repair clinical equipment
• Assist staff with agreed non-clinical ward stock activities, such as collecting, organising and replenishing approved supplies, under staff guidance. Volunteers will not handle medicines, clinical specimens or restricted clinical supplies

About us

• Report any concerns about a patient's health, wellbeing or safety to a member of the nursing team and seek assistance if a patient appears unwell, distressed or requires support beyond the volunteer's role

Benefits:

The benefits of recruiting Ward Support Volunteers include:

Providing patients with a friendly face and meaningful social interaction at the start of the day.

Providing companionship, conversation and reassurance to help patients feel less isolated and more comfortable during their hospital stay.

Supporting a calm and welcoming environment within the ward.

Supporting staff with non-clinical activities, enabling nurses and healthcare support workers to concentrate on patient care and discharge planning.

Offering patients appropriate drinks in accordance with staff guidance and the patient's individual requirements. Volunteers must not make decisions about a patients diet, fluid restrictions or nutritional requirements.

Supporting a positive and welcoming mealtime experience and encouraging patients to access food and drinks where appropriate. Any concerns about a patient's eating or drinking should be reported to nursing staff.

Enhancing the Trust's commitment to excellent patient experience and compassionate care.

Certificates of Sponsorship

For individuals who may require sponsorship under the skilled worker or health & care visa route please use the link below to check your eligibility.GOV.UK www.gov.uk

This role is not eligible for sponsorship

Details

• Date posted: 04 September 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £1 a year This is a voluntary role with no salary attached
• Contract: Voluntary
• Duration: 7 days
• Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
• Reference number: C9165-26-09-000
• Job locations: The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, Moorgate Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 2UD, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

There is no job description attached to this role. For further information please contact Lindsay Nicholson.

Please note:

Duties may vary between wards and care groups according to local requirements. Volunteers will only undertake activities that are appropriate to the Ward Support Volunteer role, have been agreed locally, and for which they have received appropriate instruction and/or training. Local ward staff will provide day-to-day operational supervision, guidance and support to the volunteer. Volunteers should speak to the supervising member of staff if they are unsure whether a task falls within their role or if they have any concerns about a patient.