General Discussion: 17 October 2024

There are no set topics for general discussions enabling network members to bring along any questions they have to start the conversation.

Replacing and funding volunteer staff

Since the new government came in some network members have seen a slight shift in the recruitment of non-clinical staff which has caused some concern as this is making it difficult to replace any staff members from the volunteer department if they leave.

“Voluntary services are not always seen as a strategic service that has core values.”

Strong business cases are required backed up with solid evidence. Keeping good records quantifying the impact on your service is important. One recommendation was to include a report that shows monetary value. For example, the number of hours the volunteers give at a Band 2 hourly rate.

The Darzi report has a high focus on volunteering and people participation. If you haven’t already done so it is worth a read.

• Darzi Report
• Evidence-based evaluation reports can be found on our website.

For short term cover the NHS Reserve Team was recommended

It was also suggested that having a senior member of staff as a champion for the volunteer service would be beneficial. They would be able to advocate and create a better understanding of the service at regular meetings with other senior staff.

DBS and ID checks

DBS check application process for volunteers

Most of the time people applying to volunteer have the appropriate documents to confirm their identity and apply for a DBS if one is required. However, because many people now receive their bills and statements online, this is becoming increasingly difficult and can cause a lot of extra work for the administrator.

One solution from NHS employers Identity Checks Standard

“Alternatively, employers may choose to ask the individual to log in to their online account while in their presence, so that they can verify that the printout is attributed to an actual account in the individual’s name and residing address.”

For non-British nationals having the appropriate ID can be even more difficult. This has been discussed by network members on a number of occasions. Here are the links to summaries of those conversations.

• Focused discussion on supporting asylum seekers and refugees to volunteer - 1 November 2023
• Focused discussion on recruiting and supporting asylum seekers and refugees - 2 November 2022
• General discussion on asylum seekers and refugees, End of Life support - 19 May 2022

Volunteer passport schemes

• Many of these have already been set up across the country and allow volunteers to work across organisations without having to go through DBS check and some training again.
• West Hertfordshire and West Essex are planning to implement this scheme across the ICS.

Two examples of schemes that a up and running.

• Voluntary Norfolk
• Volunteer Centre Newcastle

Research

• Volunteer Passporting Research Report 2021

Find more about upcoming events here