At Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, our approach to recruiting volunteers is guided by service need, ensuring that every role we offer is meaningful and well-supported. Rather than continuous open recruitment, we advertise opportunities at key points throughout the year when positions become available.
All current vacancies will be shared here, as well as on the CHFT main website, our Facebook page, NHS England platforms, and Third Sector Leaders. Roles are typically advertised for between two to four weeks, depending on application levels.
Our recruitment process is designed to be clear, supportive, and thorough. It includes:
• Submission of an application for an advertised role
• Longlisting of applications
• Face-to-face interview
• Shortlisting
• Conditional offer
• Completion of recruitment and pre-employment checks
• Final acceptance
• Welcome induction and training
• Agreed start date and commencement of volunteering shifts
We aim to make each stage as smooth and welcoming as possible, supporting you every step of the way as you begin your volunteering journey with us.
Submission of an application for an advertised role and longlisting
Applications will include a short set of four to six initial questions, designed to help assess suitability for the role. Responses will be reviewed and scored by members of the team, and all applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application. Successful applicant will be then invited to interview, which will be held face-to-face.
Face-to-face interview
Applicants who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to attend an interview.
The interview panel will typically consist of two to four colleagues, including the Volunteer Service Lead and, where appropriate, the Ward or Department Lead(s) for the area in which the role is based. During the interview, you will be asked up to five questions to help us better understand your suitability for the role.
As part of the recruitment process, you will also be required to bring documentation to complete an ID check. Please bring the following (as applicable):
• Passport
• Driving Licence (full or provisional)
• Birth Certificate
• Utility Bill (dated within the last 3 months)
• Bank Statement (dated within the last 3 months)
• Share Code (if applicable to your citizenship status)
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (if applicable)
• Certificate of Sponsorship (if applicable)
To successfully complete the ID check, we require three forms of identification: one photographic ID and two documents confirming your current address (both showing the same address).
Shortlisting, Conditional Offer, Completion of Recruitment and Pre-Employment Checks
Following the interview stage, panel members will assess and score candidates in a fair and consistent manner to identify those most suitable for the role. Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer, which will be processed via Trac and will initiate the recruitment and pre-employment checks.
Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of the following:
• Submission of a formal application
• Occupational Health clearance
• Acceptance of the Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance (where applicable)
• Receipt of two satisfactory references
Confirmation of a volunteering position will be made once all pre-employment requirements have been successfully met.
Final Acceptance and Welcome Induction and Training
Once all recruitment checks have been successfully completed, volunteers will be invited to attend a Corporate Volunteering Welcome, Induction, and Training session.
This session is partly led by the Volunteer Service Lead and will cover key corporate information, including relevant policies, processes, and procedures. During this session, you will also be issued with your ID badge and volunteering uniform.
Following this, you will receive localised, role-specific training delivered by the relevant Ward or Department Leads. This will include guidance on navigating the hospital, accessing changing facilities, and locating your designated service areas. The aim is to ensure you feel confident and prepared, with the knowledge needed to independently arrive and begin your first shift.
Agreed start date and commencement of volunteering shifts
During the induction session, you will be asked to complete an availability form. This information will be used by the Volunteering Service to coordinate your start date and agree your volunteering day/s and hours.
Once confirmed, an official start date will be arranged, and the relevant Ward or Department Leads will be informed to ensure you are included in local rotas.