Apprenticeships support the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital volunteer service

Helpforce are delighted to be working with The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust in Stanmore, Middlesex – the largest orthopaedic hospital in the UK. The hospital provides a comprehensive range of neuro-musculoskeletal health care, from acute spinal injury or complex bone tumour to orthopaedic medicine and specialist rehabilitation for chronic pain sufferers. At the heart of the hospital, Diane Young heads up a growing volunteer team.

Diane works closely with the Involvement and Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Haig and the part-time Volunteer Services Assistant Keith Reeve. Although a small team, they manage an increasing number of volunteers who support both the hospital staff and patients. Growing from only ten people three years ago, the current volunteer headcount is in the region of 180. The volunteers, known on site as “Fellows in Yellow” due to the distinctive yellow tops they all wear, are involved in a range of activities including escorting patients through the complex hospital site to reach their appointments, maintaining the 120 acre grounds, supporting patients and staff on ward, running the hospital radio station, carrying out errands for the clinical staff and generally assisting patients during their time at the trust. Lisa and Diane are currently both doing management apprenticeships.

“I’ve had other management training experiences previously but nothing quite like this.
Everything relates directly to my role which makes it so much more effective and relevant.”

This short case study explores what it has been like, what they have learnt. It provides tips for
other volunteer service teams wishing to explore apprenticeships.

“Volunteer services managers and coordinators are involved in so many different things at work. The opportunity to learn these skills is really valuable.” Diane

“Go for it! Go and do it – you won’t regret it.” Lisa

Read the case study to find out how you can use apprenticeships in your volunteer services