Postnatal Volunteer

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local health service provider in Kingston upon Thames is looking for volunteers for the Postnatal Unit. The role involves supporting women and families, assisting with infant feeding, and completing administrative tasks. Candidates must be proactive, able to provide companionship, and undergo essential training. Required forms of identification and references must be provided upon application. This supportive role is crucial during an emotional time for birthing people, ensuring comfort and assistance.

Qualifications

• Proactive in supporting a large team and enjoy meeting people.
• Ability to listen to people without judgment.
• Must provide two references and identification documents.

Responsibilities

• Be a supportive companion for women and families.
• Assist with infant feeding and caring for babies.
• Support the meal service and manage general queries.

Job description

The philosophy at the Kingston Hospital Maternity Unit is to put women and birthing people at the centre of their service. The unit are looking for support across a variety of departments. This role is specifically within Postnatal.

Responsibilities

• Be a supportive companion, welcoming and chatting to women and their families, helping them feel at ease and helping with orientation to the ward/room
• Infant feeding support
• Assist with caring for the baby whilst mum is showering for example (this may include changing nappies, dressing and providing advice and support where appropriate)
• Cleaning and restocking equipment (gloves, feeding trolleys) where necessary, including making beds & cleaning and clearing rooms following discharge
• Supporting with the meal service and making teas and coffees for women and families
• Answer general queries about the hospital/ward, for example, regarding carparking, charitable funds or where to buy a teddy etc.
• Transferring equipment and samples between departments as necessary
• Completing the Friends and Family Test
• Photocopying, filing and general administration support (including answering phones and responding to call bells) as necessary
• Supporting with the creation of Discharge Packs for women and with discharge
• Transferring women for scans & babies in cots up to the NNU with a parent
• Supporting with audits, e.g. Hand Hygiene Audits
• Completing the admission log and audit

This role is best suited to volunteers who are proactive in supporting a large team, enjoy meeting people as well as providing companionship and support during what can be an emotional journey for women. You will need to be able to interact with people from all walks of life and be able to listen to people without judgement.

Essential Information

If you are interested in more than 1 role, please submit your application on your initial preference (other roles can be discussed at assessment).
Please kindly note, you will be given a 20-minute assessment on the week commencing either the 26th January 2026 or the 2nd February 2026 at Kingston Hospital.
The Mandatory training for this role will be on Tuesday 10th March 2026.
All Postnatal Volunteers will also need to undertake Neonatal Life Support training (which will take place on the Volunteer Induction day) as well as a one day Infant Feeding Study Day, before commencing in role.
Please only apply if you are able to attend the above dates.

Reference Requirements

Please can you ensure you provide details for 2 references (one of which you have known for over 3 years). It is essential you provide an email address for each reference when submitting your application. Please note - you can provide a family friend but not a relative.

Identification Documents

A minimum of THREE individual forms of valid, current, and original identification are required. Please bring one document from group one (below) AND two documents from group two (Below):

• Group One:
  • UK Passport
  • EEA/Swiss Passport
  • Other passport with indefinite leave to remain
  • Other Passport
  • Biometric Residence permit
  • Driving Licence photo card (UK, IOM or CI)
  • Current EU Photo Driving Licence
  • EU national identity card - EU only
  • Driving Licence photo card (UK, IOM or CI)
  • Current EU Photo Driving Licence
  • Driving licence - old-style paper licence (must be UK)
• Group Two:
  • Bank statement (UK/EEA) - less than 3 months old
  • Utility bill - less than 3 months old (UK)
  • Utility bill - 2nd Supplier - less than 3 months old
  • Council Tax Statement - issued in the last 12 months
  • Mortgage statement (UK or EEA) must be a recognised lender and issued in the last 12 months