Application form

Personal details

We need to take some personal details so that we have the correct information about who is applying for the role, as well as contact details in case we need to get in touch with you regarding the application.

First Name *

Surname/Family Name *

Address Line 1 *

Address Line 2

Town *

Postcode *

Contact Number *

Email Address *

Have you previously worked for the Hospice? *

Yes

Have you/do you volunteer for the Hospice? *

Yes

Employment History

Name of most recent employer *

Employment Dates: to and from *

Current Salary

Reason for leaving

Please upload your CV (PDF or Word) *

Supporting Statement *

Please describe what it is that attracts you to this job and give details of any particular experience, skills and/or qualities that you feel make you suitable for this position and that match the requirements for this post as set out in the person specification.

Reference 1

Name of Organisation *

Please provide two referees who are previous employers (including your current employer) whom we may approach should you be successful. References will only be sought once a job offer has been made.

Referee name

Position

Relationship to applicant

Email Address

Website

Contact Number

Reference 2

Name of Organisation *

Please provide two referees who are previous employers (including your current employer) whom we may approach should you be successful. References will only be sought once a job offer has been made.

Referee name

Position

Relationship to applicant

Email Address

Website

Contact Number

Declarations

Are you legally eligible for employment in the UK? *

Yes

Do you have proof of eligibility to work in the UK? *

Yes

Do you have any unspent convictions for a criminal offence as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974? *

Yes

If yes, please provide details below.

Disclosures must be in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 – please seek advice if you are not sure about what has to be disclosed. Please note that The Hospice of St Francis may carry out a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check to verify this information.

Do you hold a full UK driving licence? *

Yes

When would you be available to start work?

Data Protection & Confidentiality

The Hospice of St Francis will process your personal data solely for the purpose of communicating with you about your application. We never share or sell an individual's data. Please see our privacy policy for more information.

Confirmation *

I can confirm that I have completed this application form to the best of my knowledge and all the information is true. I understand that any false statement may disqualify me from employment or render me liable to summary dismissal.

Confidentiality

The Hospice of St Francis exists to help local people and their families living with life-limiting illness, through improving symptoms, achieving personal goals and helping them to feel safe.

It is essential that all personnel are aware of the need to be discreet not only to protect patients, but also the business, in respect of the sensitive nature of the information within the Hospice.

Patient Confidentiality
All clinical staff are governed by the regulations of their professional body on this subject. All non-clinical staff and volunteers should, under no circumstances, discuss patient information/details unless with a health professional connected to the Hospice and certainly not outside the Hospice.

Business Confidentiality
All staff, including volunteers, are expected to respect business confidentiality, particularly in financial matters and any policy issues as specified by the Board of Trustees. Information cascaded within the Hospice is not for public domain until/unless permission is given or it is published in the Annual Review or by a press release. The person disseminating such information should make clear that it is confidential.

Any breach of confidentiality will be treated as serious misconduct.

Confidentiality Confirmation *

I have read and understand the above confidentiality requirements

Apply for this role

Hours: Flexible – as agreed with the Family Support Team Coordinator and/or patient. Typically, 2 hours per week

Bring comfort, connection, and calm to people living with life-limiting illness and their carers. As a carer support volunteer, you’ll visit patients in their homes to offer companionship, a listening ear, and gentle help—support that also gives family carers time to rest with confidence.

What you’ll do

Visit patients at home on a regular schedule (hours agreed in advance via our Family Support Team).
Offer warm companionship: listen, chat, read, play a simple game, or share a quiet moment.
Provide respite for informal carers so they can take a break, knowing their loved one is safe.
Help with light practical tasks such as making drinks or snacks, picking up a small shop or prescriptions.
Use compassionate communication with patients and families.
Keep in touch with our Family Support Team after visits (text, phone, or email) and let us know about any changes in wellbeing or when additional support might be needed.
Continue visiting if a patient moves to a nearby care or residential home, where appropriate.

You’ll be great for this role if you have

Good communication and active listening skills.
An empathetic, non-judgmental, and non-directive approach.
The ability to be patient-led—supporting people to make their own decisions.
Reliability, good timekeeping, and strong organisational skills.
Willingness to complete our Family Support training and take part in ongoing learning.
Commitment to follow Hospice guidelines and uphold our Values.

It’s a bonus (not essential) if you have

Experience in a befriending role or in palliative care.
An understanding of how meaningful activities can lift quality of life in the moment.

What we provide

Full training, including an in-person Level 3 safeguarding session and regular supervision/training every 6 weeks.
Ongoing support from the Family Support Team.
Reimbursement of agreed petrol expenses.
A warm, values-led community where your time truly matters.

Important information

An enhanced DBS check is required.
Given the sensitivity of the role, we don’t usually appoint volunteers who have experienced a close personal bereavement within the last 12 months.
Volunteers agree to work within Hospice policies and procedures, our Philosophy, and our confidentiality policy.

Please register your interest by applying now or contact our friendly volunteering team volunteering@stfrancis.org.uk for an informal chat

Apply for this role

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Application form

Personal details

The Hospice of St Francis will process your personal data solely for the purpose of communicating with you about your application. We never share or sell an individual's data. Please see our privacy policy for more information.

Hours: Flexible – as agreed with the Family Support Team Coordinator and/or patient. Typically, 2 hours per week

Meet some of our volunteers