Volunteer Desk Guide(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About the Opportunity
Are you friendly, approachable, and happy talking to people from all walks of life? Can you spare around 4 hours each week and would like to make a genuine difference to people’s hospital experience?
- We are looking for Volunteer Desk Guides to support patients, visitors, and families at our hospital information desks. This role is all about human connection—offering a warm welcome, a listening ear, and practical guidance to people who may be feeling anxious, unfamiliar with the environment, or unsure where to go.
- Volunteering takes place Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:15pm, with flexible shifts agreed in advance.
- Please note: this is an unpaid volunteer role. As volunteering does not meet UK sponsorship requirements, visa sponsorship is not available.
Why Volunteer With Us?
Volunteering as a Desk Guide allows you to:
- Make a real difference to patients and visitors at important moments
- Be part of a friendly, supportive volunteer community
- Use your communication and life skills to help others
- Gain confidence and fulfilment through meaningful contribution
- Support NHS staff by improving the patient and visitor experience
- Often, a smile, a calm presence, or clear directions can completely change someone’s day.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Volunteer Desk Guide, you will:
- Welcome patients, visitors, and families with warmth and kindness
- Offer clear directions to clinics, wards, and departments
- Provide information about hospital facilities such as cafés, shops, toilets, and parking
- Assist with simple enquiries about appointments and locations
- Proactively approach anyone who appears lost, unsure, or distressed
- Maintain confidentiality and act with professionalism at all times
- You’ll never be expected to give medical advice—your role is to guide, reassure, and support.
About Northampton General Hospital
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the region and part of University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, working in partnership with Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
We are on an exciting journey of improvement, modernisation, and collaboration, always focused on delivering better care and experiences for our patients and communities.
Our Values
Everything we do is guided by our Excellence Values:
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Respect
- Integrity
- Courage
We value diversity, inclusion, and fairness and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from under-represented groups including BAME, Disabled, and LGBTQ+ communities.
We also have active staff and volunteer networks that help create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.
Who We’re Looking For
Essential Experience
- Experience helping or interacting with members of the public
Essential Skills & Attributes
- A kind, respectful, and empathetic approach
- Ability to communicate clearly and calmly
- Reliability, honesty, and punctuality
- Awareness of confidentiality and discretion
- Confidence to ask for help or guidance when needed
Desirable
- No formal qualifications required
- Any relevant training or experience can be included in your application
- We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. If you need reasonable adjustments to support your application or volunteering.
Safeguarding & Pre-Engagement Checks
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
This role is subject to a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975
Important UK Guidance
- Volunteering and your rights
- Right to work and volunteering rules
- Equality Act 2010 guidance
- Criminal record checks for overseas applicants
- NHS volunteering information
Employer Details
Northampton General Hospital
Cliftonville
Northampton
NN1 5BD
