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Join our team to support the community and gain meaningful experience
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is committed to improving the health and quality of life of the diverse communities it serves by delivering compassionate, inclusive, and collaborative care. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting this mission, contributing their time and energy to enhance patient experience, staff morale, and service delivery across all hospital sites.
We value our volunteers as an integral part of our workforce, recognising their contributions through structured support, training, and national accreditation such as the Investing in Volunteers award. MFT fosters a culture of respect, dignity, and open communication, ensuring that volunteers feel empowered and appreciated in their roles.
Who can apply?
- Anyone with a passion to make a difference and a willingness to give their time can apply to become a volunteer. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. Whether you have specific skills to offer or simply a desire to help, there are opportunities available for everyone.
- Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, with no upper age limit, as long as they are able to perform the responsibilities of the role at MFT.
Where can I volunteer?
We have a variety of volunteer roles available across our hospital sites; however, please note that your preferred site may depend on availability and service needs. Our hospitals include:
- Oxford Road Campus (ORC) – Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and University Dental Hospital of Manchester
- Wythenshawe Hospital, Withington Community Hospital, Trafford General Hospital, and Altrincham Hospital (WTWA)
- North Manchester General Hospital
- Local Care Organisation (LCO)
- Trafford Local Care Organisation (TLCO)
As a Volunteer, you will Benefit From:
- Comprehensive Training: Including safeguarding, fire safety, infection control, and role-specific induction. Training is flexible, blending online and face-to-face formats to suit different needs.
- Recognition and Awards: Volunteers are celebrated through certificates to recognise exceptional commitment and service, acknowledging their dedication and impact.
- Personal Development: Opportunities to build confidence, communication skills, and teamwork through meaningful roles like ward support, patient wellbeing, and reception assistance.
- Wellbeing and Belonging: Volunteering contributes to your own wellbeing while enhancing the experience of patients, families, and staff. You’ll be part of a community that values inclusion and person-centred care.
- Supportive Infrastructure: MFT uses the nationally recognised “Better Impact” system to manage volunteer roles, feedback, and development, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
- Expenses and Flexibility: While volunteers are unpaid, reasonable travel expenses may be reimbursed, and you can choose how much time to commit—typically 2–3 hours per week.
Find a Role
Non-bespoke:
- MFT Administrative Volunteer Role (PALS / Patient Experience etc) – Provision of essential administrative assistance across departments. While less public facing, these roles are vital to the smooth running of services and the overall enhancement of patient and colleague experience.
- MFT Meet and Greet – Assisting patients and visitors in navigating hospital environments, helping to reduce anxiety and improve access
- MFT Adult Ward Role
- MFT Children’s Ward Role
- MFT Chaplaincy Volunteer
Bespoke:
- Pets as Therapy
- Prevent Volunteers (Cafe Volunteer, Shop Volunteer)
- Radio Lollipop Volunteer
- Radio Wishing Well
- SPOONS
- Ticker Club
- Community Breast Feeding Volunteer (Local Care Organisation and Trafford Local Care Organisation)
- Early Pregnancy Loss Counsellor (Saint Mary’s Hospital ORC)
- Macmillan (Complementary Therapy, Counsellor, Gardener, Information Centre, Colour Matching Beauty, Make-up Session).
- BURNS Camp Volunteer Role
Volunteer recruitment process
Applying for a volunteering role
Please read the full role description. If you would like to apply for a role listed, please complete the application form via Better Impact, the Trust’s volunteering data base.
Invitation to Recruitment Sessions
Upon receipt of your application, via Better Impact please book yourself onto one of the Recruitment Sessions.
Prior to attending you will be asked to provide ID to complete a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Services) application.
Contact referees
References will be requested promptly to help ensure the recruitment process proceeds without necessary delays. We recommend that prospective volunteers notify their referees in advance to help prevent any delays. In the recruitment process
DBS Check
If you are successful in your application, before you begin volunteering, you must complete a DBS check. Volunteers cannot start their roles until DBS clearance has been confirmed.
Mandatory Training
All volunteers are required to complete mandatory training, either online or face-to-face before starting their role. This training should be completed as soon as possible and must be renewed every 3 years to ensure ongoing compliance.
Local Induction
You will participate in a local induction with the Voluntary Services Administrative Officer. After completing this induction, you will be fully prepared to begin your volunteering role at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do I need to commit each week or month?
Typically, volunteers contribute 2–3 hours per week, but there is flexibility to accommodate individual schedules.
Is the schedule flexible - can I volunteer evenings or weekends?
Some departments accommodate volunteers during evenings and weekends. To find out which roles are available at these times, please visit the Find a Role page and review the specific timings for the position you are interested in.
Is there parking for volunteers?
Staff parking is provided to volunteers free of charge
Are travel or meal expenses reimbursed?
Volunteers may claim approved travel expenses. Refreshments are provided during volunteering sessions.
Will volunteering help me gain experience relevant to my career or studies?
Yes – Volunteering can help you apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, such as building transferable skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
What age do I need to be to volunteer?
You can volunteer from the age of 16. However, please note that some roles have age restrictions and may require you to be 18 or over.
Who can I ask to provide my references?
Please refer to the character refence document for information regarding references.
Why do I need a DBS check to volunteer?
You may need a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to volunteer, especially if your role involves working with vulnerable individuals such as children, older adults, or people with disabilities and learning difficulties. This check helps ensure that volunteers are suitable and safe to work in these settings, and it’s a key part of safeguarding and compliance with national regulations. It protects both the people receiving care and the integrity of the organisation, ensuring that all volunteers meet the necessary standards for their roles.
Can I shadow doctors or nurses?
Volunteering is not the same as work experience; volunteers do not undertake medical or clinical duties. If you are looking for work experience within MFT, please direct your enquiries to Work.Experience@mft.nhs.uk
How soon can I start volunteering?
It typically takes 3 months from application, however this depends on the submission of your signed references, parental consent, (if required), health disclaimer, DBS application and the completion of your mandatory training prior to becoming a volunteer.
Is any previous experience or qualification required for volunteering?
In most cases, no previous experience or formal qualifications are required to volunteer. Volunteering is designed to be inclusive and accessible, here at MFT we will provide training and support to help you get started.
Please note there are some specialist roles at MFT that may require relevant qualifications or experience (e.g. counselling).
Will I receive supervision or mentoring?
Here’s what you can typically expect:
- Before starting, you’ll receive an introduction to the organisation, your role, and any procedures.
- Ongoing support: You will be assigned a supervisor who will be available to guide you, answer questions, and provide feedback.
- In some roles, especially those linked to specialist areas, you may be paired with a mentor to help you grow and learn.
This support helps ensure you feel confident, safe, and valued in your role.
Do volunteers receive feedback or recognition for their contributions?
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust hosts an annual celebration for volunteers in line with Volunteers’ Week. This is a special opportunity to recognise and thank our volunteers for their incredible contributions. The event includes a celebratory afternoon tea and awards that honour commitment and service across the Trust.
Is volunteering accessible to people with disabilities?
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) has a dedicated strategy to enhance care for individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism. This includes making reasonable adjustments and delivering person-centred care to ensure services are inclusive and responsive to individual needs.
Additionally, MFT runs a Disabled People’s User Forum, which provides a platform for feedback and collaboration. This helps co-produce solutions that improve accessibility across the Trust.
I’m qualified to practise / have a relevant qualification in a certain area, but I need to gain work experience in the UK. Is volunteering a good route for me?
Yes, volunteering can be an excellent way to gain UK-based work experience, especially if you’re already qualified but looking to:
- Understand the local work environment
- Build professional networks
- Demonstrate your skills in a UK context
- Gain references or endorsements
- Improve your confidence and familiarity with UK systems or practices
Many professionals use volunteering as a stepping stone into paid roles, especially in healthcare, education, and community services.
You will not be able to practise your area of expertise as that would be classed as apaid role. You would need to speak to the temporary workforce in order to get work-based experience in your qualified area.
Who should I contact if I have questions or issues while volunteering?
If you have any questions or issues while volunteering, your first point of contact should be the Voluntary Services Team at the site where you’re based. They’re there to support you, answer queries, and help resolve any concerns.
If your query is more specific — for example, related to your role, schedule, or wellbeing — you can also speak directly to the staff member you volunteer alongside. And if you’re ever unsure who to approach, the volunteering office can guide you to the right person.
Will volunteering help me get a job?
While volunteering doesn’t guarantee a job, volunteering can be a valuable stepping stone toward employment, particularly if you choose roles that align with your career goals. Volunteering can allow you to gain practical experience, develop skills that employers look for, and demonstrate initiative.
To search and apply for MFT jobs visit our careers site.
For employment support and accessing opportunities through the Kings Fund Trust at MFT visit our Widening Participation page.