Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions

We aim to have responded to your initial enquiry within 48 hours. The whole recruitment process takes between 2-4 weeks depending on your availability and successful DBS checks. The recruitment process includes an application form, interview, occupational health clearance, DBS clearance and a 3 hour induction.

While we appreciate all offers of help that we receive, not all roles are suitable for everybody wishing to volunteer. Some roles require particular skills or personalities, whilst others may have a limited number of places available. We will always try to help an applicant find a role, but in some cases we might not have something suitable.

We give you an induction as part of our recruitment process. Further in-department training will be given as required.

Volunteer Services do not organise work experience. Please email workexperience@rnoh.nhs.uk for information on work experience opportunities.

Our minimum age is 18 for volunteering. However, we are always looking for schools to get involved in fundraising projects to support The RNOH Charity – if you have an idea for how your school could get involved, please contact fundraising@rnoh.nhs.uk

We are also looking for young RNOH patients aged between 12-18 to join our Youth Forum to help make improvements to Children’s Services at the hospital, please contact rnoh.volunteering@nhs.net for more information.

The RNOH will reimburse out-of-pocket travel expenses on production of a receipt. This does not apply to volunteers using travel cards bought for other purposes (such as normal commute to work). Please be aware that parking on site is limited, and that the RNOH runs a free courtesy car service departing from Stanmore Station 15 minutes between 06:00 and 20:45. Volunteers are encouraged to make use of this service. If coming from Edgware or Elstree, please use the 107 bus.

Volunteer out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed up to a maximum of 25 miles round trip.

We welcome general enquiries from professionals with specific skills. Please contact Volunteer Services to discuss potential opportunities.

We occasionally have single projects that would be ideally suited for businesses and organisations looking for day-long volunteering activities. For more information, please see our Corporate and Community Involvement pages.