11 June 2025

Focused Discussion on designing a new volunteer service

Thank you to the network members who attended this session. Here are the highlights:

Top Tips

First consideration – does it fit within the roles that you already manage? Learn more about what level of support of the request and if it is appropriate.
Before creating a new role, have a checklist of things to consider clearly setting out the things that need to be in place to set up a new role. This will create stability and consistency moving forwards.
Collaboration with individual teams to identify the roles that would benefit them.
Make sure that policies are 100% in place before rolling out.

Challenges discussed

Limited finances. For some roles individual teams require their own resources.

Lack of understanding that volunteering is not a totally free service and requires support and coordination.

Finding staff who can coordinate the volunteers on a day-to-day basis.

Volunteering for Health Programme – supporting, expanding and developing a better infrastructure across the local NHS trusts to support and enhance the volunteering offer.

Find out more about the 15 VOLUNTEERING FOR HEALTH PROJECTS
Voluntary Norfolk – Volunteering for Health launch video
Integrated Care Partnerships - Volunteer Managers Networks

Useful Links - Health Champions in the Community