Volunteer Trainers assist our paid Volunteer Supervisors by meeting potential new volunteers and explaining what the role entails, being paired with new starters to show them the ropes until they are confident in the role and ensuring that all induction information has been given. This is an ideal additional duty for existing volunteers who feel confident in their own volunteer role. It is open to volunteers across all Hospice departments but are particularly needed in our Retail venues. Your skills will be assessed before becoming an official Trainer.

When am I needed?

This is an ad hoc role, driven by the need and frequency of new volunteers joining your team.

It is expected that you would complete your Trainer duties during your usual shift, but if you can offer some flexibility with times that would be welcomed. Actual times would be arranged between yourself and your supervisor on an individual basis.

New volunteers will first need to train in a Hospice role to a competent standard before being able to train up a new volunteer in the same role.

What will I be doing?

• Giving your time to support the learning and development of volunteers
• Working closely with your Supervisor to understand the needs of the department and the role. Volunteers’ duties within the same team may vary slightly
• Training volunteers to a high standard to be proficient in a role you yourself are trained in
• Supporting new volunteers with training in their role until they feel confident to volunteer without support

• You may be required to assist volunteers who need extra training in their chosen volunteer role, such as helping explain tasks when English is not the first language

What skills and qualities will I need?

• Be able to engage people and put them at their ease
• Be patient, enthusiastic and approachable, and able to perform volunteering tasks
• Enjoy working alongside people with a variety of backgrounds
• Demonstrate good attention to detail
• Experience of training others is useful, but not essential
• Enjoy being part of a friendly, hardworking team
• Be reliable and trustworthy
• A reasonable level of confidence with IT would be helpful but not essential

Why might I want to volunteer at St Leonard’s?

• Have the feeling you have made a difference
• Support your own mental health and wellbeing
• Meet new people
• Gain new skills and experiences
• Use your skills for a good cause
• Boost your CV
• Be a part of a friendly and inclusive team
• Be valued and respected
• Flexible hours

Support and Supervision

Volunteers will be supervised by the department Line Manager/Supervisor and supported by additional team members and the Volunteer Services Team. The Volunteer Services Team will help guide you through the application and induction process and be your point of contact for general enquiries about volunteering.

Volunteers are required to complete mandatory training modules which are usually delivered via our online platform. Additional, booster and refresher training may be delivered as needed via e-learning, video links or face to face. You may also be invited to attend role specific in person meetings where appropriate.

For all volunteering enquiries please contact the Volunteer Services Office on 01904 777765 or email volunteers@stleonardshospice.org.uk

About the Hospice

St Leonard’s Hospice provides care and support to those living with life-limiting illnesses and to the people they care about. We couldn’t carry out the important work we do without a committed and talented team of Volunteers and Supporters – people of all ages, and from all walks of life who help us provide care, assistance and support throughout the organisation, as well as promoting the work of the hospice in local communities and raising crucial funds.