How do I become a volunteer?
Step 1 - fill out the application form
Firstly you will need to fill out a simple application form which you can do online, download, print and post or call us on 01482 784343 to have one sent out to you. On this you will be asked to provide basic details about yourself such as your name, address, work history and any skills you may have that you feel may be relevant. Don’t worry if you haven’t had much work experience just fill out as much as you can.
You will also need to provide the names and addresses of two referees. Referees may be your manager, a work colleague, friends or neighbours but should not be a family member. They will need to be able to vouch for your character and work history so it should be someone you have known for a reasonable period of time.
Step 2 - informal chat
Once you’ve submitted your application form it will be processed by one of our volunteer managers who will get in touch to arrange an informal chat. This allows us to find out a bit more about you and which areas you’d like to help. It also means you can ask us any questions you might have about volunteering or the departments in which you’d like to help.
Once this has taken place we will try and match you to our current vacancies and will send off for two references from your referees. Once these have returned we will arrange a date for you to visit with the department you wish to help in and you can find out in greater detail the kind of tasks you can help with.
All volunteers, except those working in the retail department, will also need to complete a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Application Form. Don't let this deter you - it is not as bad as it sounds and our friendly Volunteer Services staff will help you complete the form, if needed.
Step 3 - matching you to a vacancy
We endevour to assign volunteers to the area in which they would prefer to positions which match the kind of work they wish to do ie administration. On occasion certain roles will be already staffed to capacity. If this is the case we will suggest other areas which might be of interest so you are able to start work helping the hospice as soon as possible.
Find out about the different areas in which you could volunteer
Read stories about some of our current volunteers
Find out how easy it is to become a Dove House Hospice volunteer
View the volunteer vacancies we have available
Apply online or download an application form today