Volunteer charter 2025–2028

Introduction and background

Every volunteer has the right to work for an organisation that values and cares for them.

This Charter describes a beneficial and fair relationship between volunteers and the Trust.

Volunteers are vital to delivering our mission and values. They benefit the people of East Kent.

We commit to ensuring that everyone can access our service. It must prevent all forms of unfair or unlawful discrimination. We promote good relations between different individuals and groups.

We want to attract diverse staff and volunteers. We seek to raise our profile as a potential employer.

We will support you in the role:

  • We will provide tasks that help our patients and staff. You will see that you are making a difference.

  • We will first check your suitability and skills for the role. This includes an enhanced DBS check. We will provide ongoing opportunities to give and receive feedback on your work.

  • We will provide a full induction and training for your role. It will be online and in person.

  • We recognise that you may decline some tasks. Also, you may need to take breaks from the role.

  • The Trust's public liability insurance covers all volunteers.

Your commitment to meet the organisation’s needs:

  • You volunteer to meet the organisation's aims. You must only work within your role and your competence and training within EKHUFT.

  • You agree to meet the volunteering commitment we have agreed on together.

  • You commit to training to meet the required standard. You also commit to any necessary development.

Our interaction with you:

  • We will treat you with respect and value your contribution.

  • Communication will be open and honest, and will build trust and confidence. We will respond as soon as possible if you contact us.

  • We will involve you in decisions that affect you as a volunteer. We will also listen to your suggestions for improvements.

  • We will keep you informed about changes affecting your role.

  • We will work to ensure our staff value and understand your role and the contribution you make.

  • We will reimburse your approved expenses.

  • You have the opportunity to become a Trust Member and vote for governors to represent you.

  • You will have a chance to learn more about the Trust. You will also meet other volunteers from time to time.

Maintaining a professional approach and appearance:

  • You will be sympathetic to our patients' needs. You must keep all contacts' information confidential.

  • You will undertake the role in a professional manner and act under the values of EKHUFT at all times.

  • Wear suitable attire for your role and display your ID at all times.

  • You will keep us informed if your personal details or your availability change.

  • Maintaining your own safety and the safety of others:

  • You are responsible for your safety and that of others while volunteering.

  • You will tell us if something concerns you or if you need support or information.

  • You should ensure you are fit to volunteer before each volunteering activity.

Contacts:

Email: ekh-tr.volunteers@nhs.net

Senior Volunteer Support Officer: deannasmith@nhs.net

Volunteer and Public Services Officer: stephen.dobson1@nhs.net

Head of Volunteering and Public Services: mandy.carliell@nhs.net

Volunteer application form