Nursing volunteer roles

Do you love cleaning and keeping everything spick and span? If so, join us as a Volunteer Cleaner at Skanda Vale Hospice and help us maintain a beautifully clean, safe, and welcoming environment for our patients and their families. Our Housekeeping team is vital to everything we do. The time and effort you spend caring about the little details will make a big difference to the people that, together, we care about.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for overseas volunteers.

About Skanda Vale Hospice

Skanda Vale Hospice offers unhurried, highly individualised care and respite to families affected by life-limiting illnesses, completely free of charge. A beautiful and happy place, filled with laughter and vibrant colour, our hospice is nurse led and primarily run by volunteers. Volunteering with us means being a valued part of a dedicated team who give of themselves wholeheartedly. Compassion is at the heart of what we do, expressed by human kindness, generosity and a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone we care for and work alongside.

What will I be doing?

• Sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dusting and disinfecting surfaces in bedrooms, bathrooms and throughout the hospice.

• Washing, drying, and ironing laundry.

• Disposing of waste (general and clinical), including recycling.

• Helping with infection control by following our in-house procedures and using personal protective equipment when needed.

• Working as part of a wider team to keep the building fresh, clean and welcoming.

How much time should I give?

Completely flexible, whatever you can offer – some volunteers offer time every week, others support on a monthly basis at the end of respite stays, some help quarterly with deep cleans or just occasionally to prepare or clear up around special events in our calendar.

What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Cleaner?

• Sense of purpose, knowing you are making a positive difference to people who need a clean and comfortable environment.

• Satisfaction of giving back and making a worthwhile contribution to a good cause.

• Being valued and appreciated as a key part of a friendly team.

• Earning Tempo Time Credits to spend on activities both locally and across the UK.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

What do I need to have?

• Enthusiasm and an eye for detail to keep the high standards of cleanliness we need throughout the hospice.

• Reliability with a sense of commitment to giving your best.

• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.

• A permanent UK address or a visa that allows you to stay and volunteer in the UK (unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applications).

What training and support will I be given?

You will receive induction, training on cleaning procedures, infection control practices and health and safety. You will be supported by the Housekeeping Lead to ensure you feel confident and capable in your role.

How do I find out more?

Contact us or drop in at one of our Coffee Mornings. These are held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month and offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we’d love to meet you!

Do you love planning and cooking delicious meals? If so, we warmly invite you to join us as a Volunteer Cook at Skanda Vale Hospice where your focus will be to create fresh, wholesome and tasty meals to support the well-being of our patients, their families and our dedicated team. 

You’ll have a team of kitchen helpers and together your contribution will not only nourish the body but support the overall warmth and comforting experience that uplifts and benefits everyone at the hospice.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for overseas volunteers.

About Skanda Vale Hospice

Skanda Vale Hospice offers unhurried, highly individualised care and respite to families affected by life-limiting illnesses, completely free of charge. A beautiful and happy place, filled with laughter and vibrant colour, our hospice is nurse led and primarily run by volunteers. Volunteering with us means being a valued part of a dedicated team who give of themselves wholeheartedly. Compassion is at the heart of what we do, expressed by human kindness, generosity and a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone we care for and work alongside.

What will I be doing?

• Planning and preparing nutritious and appetising meals, tailored to different dietary requirements.

• Catering (with support from your team) for 30-50 people at lunchtime.

• Alternatively, providing additional smaller meals for patients during respite stays: cooked breakfast, dinner and snacks.

• Keeping a clean and organised kitchen, overseeing dishwashing plus sanitising of surfaces and equipment.

• Keeping temperature logs, and accurate records of expiry dates and stock levels.

• Along with catering colleagues, supporting a great team spirit and a happy environment.

How much time should I give?

Flexible, based on volunteer availability and hospice needs, but on average at least one day a month. Some volunteers choose to commit to frequent regular shifts while others offer their availability monthly or by arrangement to support day hospice, respite services or hospice events.

What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Cook?

• Sense of purpose, knowing you are making a positive difference to people in need.

• Seeing the pleasure your creativity and culinary skill bring to others.

• Being valued and appreciated as a key part of a friendly team.

• Training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.

• Working in a welcoming place with warmhearted people.

• Earn Tempo Time Credits to spend on activities both locally and across the UK.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

What do I need to have?

• An ability to work well and communicate sensitively within a team, providing instruction and guidance to Catering Assistants.

• Be a confident home cook or have experience in professional catering.

• Physical stamina as our cooks are on their feet for some time.

• Reliability and punctuality since we need to serve meals on time. 

• An ability to remain calm and adapt to unexpected changes.

• A permanent UK address or a visa that allows you to stay and volunteer in the UK (unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applications).

What training and support will I be given?

Our Cooks are supported by the Catering Lead and receive induction, training (such as Level 2 Food Hygiene) and ongoing support to ensure they feel confident and capable in their role.

How do I find out more?

Contact us or drop in at one of our Coffee Mornings. These are held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month and offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we’d love to meet you!

Do you - want to establish closer working relationship with the local police to improve community safety in Barnet?

Can you - spare a few hours a month to make this happen?

If so - we need volunteers to join the Barnet Safer Neighbourhood Board.

A Safer Neighbourhood Board is established in every borough giving local Londoners and victims a greater voice.

Barnet’s Safer Neighbourhood Board entails a team of volunteers and local agencies who will work together to advise the Borough Commander.

 The Board consists of a wide range of individuals representing Barnet’s diverse communities alongside the statutory positions defined in the MOPAC Guidance, involving people of all ages and from all sections of the community. This includes those who may not have been actively involved before, who may be vulnerable or who have been a victim of crime.

Barnet’s Safer Neighbourhood Board will be required to:

 · Help identify and advise on Barnet’s local policing

· Monitor police statistical data, performance and confidence

· Fulfil a range of specific functions.

Please see the role profile for further information.

1. Organization Background

Our partner organization is a registered non-governmental organization operating in mainland Tanzania. Its vision is to build a community that upholds patriotism, peace, cooperation, equality, development, and awareness of climate change.

The organization’s mission is to promote public understanding of economic, social, cultural, and political issues through free platforms such as debates, mass media, online forums, blogs, conferences, and public dialogues with government officials.

Its main objectives include:

• Raising awareness about climate change, environmental conservation, peace, gender equality, and the negative effects of harmful traditional beliefs.

• Promoting understanding of the impacts of crime, terrorism, corruption, and inequality, while fostering leadership, unity, cooperation, and innovation.

• Encouraging knowledge of Tanzanian culture, the Swahili language, and the importance of strong governance across sectors.

• Empowering communities through the formation of peace, environmental, economic, social, cultural, and academic clubs in both rural and urban areas.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

Our partner organization seeks to engage volunteers to provide various forms of community service, including:
a) Teaching in primary and secondary schools.
b) Promoting environmental conservation skills.
c) Supporting healthcare for elders, children, and expectant mothers.
d) Assisting in orphanage care at children’s centers.

3. Scope of Work / Responsibilities

Volunteers will be responsible for the following tasks:
a) Collaborating with local teachers during classroom sessions.
b) Conducting training for target groups.
c) Supporting the care of elders, orphans, pregnant women, and school children.
d) Teaching pupils in primary schools (ages 5–12).
e) Teaching students in secondary schools (ages 12–16).
f) Assisting in workshops and community events.
g) Participating in environmental activities such as tree planting at schools.
h) Working alongside local health professionals in clinics and hospitals.
i) Assisting with disease diagnosis and record-keeping.
j) Providing counseling and treatment support to patients.
k) Maintaining patients’ records for follow-up purposes.
l) Offering advice and feedback to the volunteer team.

4. Expected Deliverables

By the end of their assignment, volunteers are expected to deliver:
a) Positive community engagement outcomes.
b) Accurate records of services provided to patients, students, elders, orphans, and expectant mothers.
c) Insights and reports on health, environmental, educational, and social challenges.
d) Reports identifying learning challenges and strategies for improving teaching methods.
e) Recommendations for enhancing volunteer services.
f) Tangible improvements in community health, education, environmental, and social outcomes.

5. Duration and Location

Volunteering periods range from one month to five years.
Volunteers will be placed primarily in Arusha Region (Northern Tanzania) and Dodoma Region (Central Tanzania).

6. Reporting and Supervision

Volunteers will report directly to the Program Director or their designated supervisor within the organization.

7. Qualifications and Skills

Eligible volunteers may include individuals with the following qualifications and skills:
a) Qualified teachers in subjects such as Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Civics, English, History, Chemistry, and Agriculture (secondary level).
b) Qualified teachers in Science, Mathematics, Civic and Moral Education, and English (primary level).
c) Individuals with computer skills (MS PowerPoint, Word, Excel, programming, app design, and graphics).
d) Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, or health workers) experienced in diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis, cancer, asthma, tuberculosis, malaria, and eye diseases.
e) Environmentalists and conservation specialists.
f) Social workers and community mobilizers.
g) Students or graduates from colleges and universities in related fields.
h) Experienced professionals willing to volunteer.
i) Volunteers aged 16 to 70 years.
j) Required documentation includes a valid passport, visa, health insurance, and a student or professional ID.
k) Volunteers are encouraged (but not required) to contribute personal teaching materials or medical tools where possible.
l) Food and transport costs are the responsibility of the volunteer unless otherwise agreed.

8. Support Provided by Our Partner Organization

Volunteers will receive the following forms of support:
a) Security and safety measures.
b) Accommodation arrangements.
c) Pre-assignment health orientation to address any climate-related concerns.
d) General orientation and cultural briefing.
e) Certificates upon successful completion.
f) A formal certificate-awarding ceremony.
g) Optional free Swahili language lessons.
h) Assistance with arrival and departure logistics.

9. Confidentiality and Conduct

Volunteers are expected to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, including:
a) Maintaining professionalism at all times.
b) Respecting national and international laws and regulations.
c) Avoiding all forms of discrimination or stigmatization.
d) Respecting and promoting human rights.
e) Upholding the mission, vision, and objectives of our partner organization.
f) Maintaining the confidentiality of patient and community information.