Volunteering FAQs

Whilst there are specific requirements for some roles, we are very keen to support you to volunteer for whatever length of time you can give. Whether you can offer a regular commitment or are happy to be on standby for a few hours, here and there around your schedule, you can still make a difference to us. Give us a call to chat this through. 

No – each role has a different time commitment. Whether you can offer a regular commitment or would prefer something to fit around your schedule, you can still make a real difference to patients and families.  

No problem, we just ask that you just contact your manager as far in advance as possible. The work our volunteers do is very important and we might need to find extra cover for your absence.  

Yes, the list of roles that we have is not exhaustive so please do get in touch if you have a particular skill you would like to offer– for example particular professional expertise, music or creative skills. 

The level of training will depend on the role you are undertaking.

We will ask you to read our Rennie Grove Peace Volunteering Induction booklet and Mandatory training book before you get started with your volunteering, and then there is regular refresher training after that to make sure you’re up to date with everything you need for your role.

You will also receive induction and training specific to your role, e.g. how to use equipment or specific IT skills required. Volunteers who visit patients and service users in the community must complete a one-day training course before starting.

There are plenty of opportunities for you to undertake additional training through our Learning & Colleague Engagement team. We regularly circulate updates of training that is available.

No, volunteering shouldn’t cost you anything. If you choose to claim expenses for travelling to your volunteering role at the Hospice/ our shops, or for any incidental expenses such as parking, these should be agreed with your manager in advance of the expenditure to ensure we are able to cover this. Your manager will be able to provide you with an expense form for claims. 

Yes, our shops offer a limited number of places for students working towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards. We can support pupils aged 14 and above. Please contact the shop manager directly to see if they have any space for you to have a trial. https://renniegrovepeace.org/shop-with-us/rennie-grove-peace-shop-locations/ 

Our Inpatient Unit at the Peace Hospice also offers opportunities for students, age 17 or over, however we ask for a commitment of at least 6 months for this particular opportunity 

You can start volunteering at one of our shops from age 14, at our events from age 16, and on our Inpatient Unit from aged 17. There is no upper age limit to volunteering.  

Yes, we do support students to do work experience in our shops. We will ask you to complete an application form and will also complete paperwork in liaison with your school/college. If you are not yet 16*, and wish to volunteer outside of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme or work experience scheme, we would need to apply for a work permit before you volunteer.  

 Please contact the shop manager directly to see if they have any space for you. 

*finished Year 11

Yes, we very much welcome asylum seekers to volunteer with us and will work with you to ensure we provide a supportive environment. 

We welcome and encourage people to volunteer with us from a diverse range of backgrounds. We will discuss the requirements of the role with you when you first enquire and will endeavour to support you so that you have a positive experience of volunteering.  

There are certain roles that require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application to be made, however, this will be made clear at the application stage and is set out on the role profile

Yes, a previous conviction doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t volunteer with us. If you have a criminal record, and would like to volunteer, we would need to speak to you about this and a decision would be made on a case-by-case basis. 

Not necessarily, we only ask for a reference for patient–facing volunteers.