Relevant Person's Representative Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility.

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility allows you to make a difference in your local community, allowing us to help and support everyone to have a voice that counts.  The roles we have available will challenge you, developing your communication skills, allowing you to gain professional experience that can be used in your future career, learn new things about yourself and others, meet new people, and have fun.

Volunteer Positions Available

We're recruiting for the following voluntary positions:

• Hospital Visitor Volunteer
• Relevant Persons' Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer
• Service Team Volunteer

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

VoiceAbility’s professional advocates provide independent support for people under the Mental Health Act. Hospital volunteers can help people get access to advocates, and can also support the work that advocates do.

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

• hold drop-ins
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• refer people to an advocate, by completing a form online or calling our helpline

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteers  

Some people live in a care home because other people have decided that’s the best and safest place for them.  They’re entitled to have support from an RPR, who is there to make sure they get the best care possible.  Some people have family members as their RPR, the RPR might be a person from VoiceAbility.  An RPR Support Volunteer supports the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

·       Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

·       Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes

·       Raise concerns

·       Keep detailed notes and records

·       Make a real difference to someone’s life

Service Team Volunteer

VoiceAbility’s service team volunteer role is a varied role that provides support to advocacy service teams in a number of ways.

As a service team volunteer in England, you might:

• support the local advocacy team as needed
• drop off promotional materials at various locations
• attend events or assist in organising small local events
• support staff with presentations
• accompany advocacy staff on visits
• support staff with group advocacy and self-advocacy workshops
• submit regular reporting forms

Volunteering opportunities are available Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to register your expression of interest

To find out more click on the “Apply” button to be redirected to our website.