Patient Voice Partner (PVP) Volunteers

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local NHS Trust in Dartford offers volunteer opportunities to assist with patient care and administrative tasks. Volunteers will engage with diverse communities, champion patient voices, and contribute to enhancing services. Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The Trust fosters an inclusive culture and encourages applications from all backgrounds. A flexible working arrangement can be discussed. This is a chance to support patient care and join a dedicated team.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Inclusive working environment

Qualifications

• Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Quickly understanding expectations and practicing new skills.
• Navigating challenges and suggesting innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support clinical staff on wards.
• Assist with administrative tasks.
• Engage in networks, meetings, and committees to enhance patient care.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to learn quickly

Problem solving

Good written and verbal communication

Ability to liaise at all levels

Work unsupervised

Work within a team

Job description

Volunteer Opportunities

There are a number of volunteering opportunities offered by Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust at both Darent Valley Hospital and Queen Mary's Hospital, at Sidcup. Volunteers help support the hospital in numerous different ways, assisting clinical staff on ward, meeting and greeting, as well as assisting office based staff with admin tasks. Subject to satisfactory references, Criminal Records Bureau checks and Occupational Health clearance and an informal interview we will invite you to join our volunteers. You will complete our training programme and then move onto specific placements at the Trust.

PVP (Patient Voice Partner) Volunteers

PVPs will represent and champion the voice of our patients by engaging in a range of networks, meetings and committees to support us in designing and delivering our services in a way that puts patients at the heart of everything that we do and optimising the experience of our patients. PVP Volunteers will also support our audit and assessment processes, by sensitively conducting patient interviews to gain insights into their experiences of care which can be used to drive improvements.

Working for our organisation

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community. We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care. If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Skills and Attributes

• Interpersonal skills – Engaging with people from all walks of life and adapting to different situations.
• Ability to learn and learn quickly – Quickly understanding expectations and practising new skills.
• Problem solving – Navigating challenges and suggesting innovative approaches to enhance the organisation.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Ability to liaise at all levels in the organisation.
• Work unsupervised.
• Work within a team.

Flexible Working

We are committed to making staff feel appreciated, supported and included in the Trust's successes. You can work flexibly – we will consider accommodating a flexible working arrangement that benefits you, our patients and the service. Please speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement.

Our Commitment to Staff and Patients

The Trust has the highest CQC rating of all Acute NHS Trusts in Kent and Medway (Good). Our culture promotes shared governance and quality improvement. We support health and wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, access to education and career development. We work with Guy's and St Thomas' (GSTT) Healthcare Alliance to introduce new models of care and seek best practice to enhance services. We welcome you to #joinourfamily and be part of our innovative team putting patients at the centre of everything we do.

Practical Information

Please note this vacancy may close earlier than stated to aid efficient processing of applications. If you have not heard from us within 21 days of the closing date, please assume you have not been shortlisted on this occasion. Due to the limited number of car parking spaces, car parking permits will be allocated subject to compliance with the Trusts eligibility criteria and availability of spaces. Permit holders are not guaranteed a car parking space. Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust is a smoke free organisation. Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere on the hospital site.