Thank you for your interest in this vacancy! We highly recommend reading our Tips on how to apply page to give you an insight on how applications are scored & shortlisted by our Recruiting Managers. These tips have been provided to give you a better chance of being shortlisted for our vacancies. Please note that if you apply for a position with North Bristol NHS Trust, you may be contacted via TRAC or via email. This includes invites for job interviews. We therefore recommend that you regularly check your TRAC Account and email accounts including junk and spam folders. Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this. Job Overview About North Bristol Trust’s Volunteer Services Volunteers make a unique and valuable contribution to patients, carers, relatives, visitors and staff at North Bristol Trust (NBT). Volunteer Services have patients at the heart of everything we do and we aim to enhance the patient experience and support NBT staff through creating and supporting meaningful volunteer roles. NBT has established a valued, skilled and passionate team of over 400 volunteers across the Trust from patient befrienders, meet and greeters, Spiritual and Pastoral Care volunteers, Fresh Arts volunteers, and many more. Our vision is to: To deliver an inclusive, supportive, and safe Volunteer Service, driven by continuous learning and our commitment to put the patient experience at the heart of everything we do. Main duties of the job Patient Befriender Volunteer We are looking for volunteers to provide company and companionship to suitable patients, spending time with them on the wards, engaging in conversation or activities, with the support and supervision of ward staff. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy meeting new people, have excellent listening skills, and a friendly and open manner. In return you will meet new people and contribute to improving the wellbeing of our patients. You will also gain practical volunteer experience and learn about the healthcare environment gaining experience that may be transferable to paid employment. Working for our organisation North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered. We commit to treating each patient as an individual with respect and dignity, aiming to deliver excellent clinical outcomes and a first-class experience for everyone who uses our services. North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups. Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities Speak to the nurse in charge upon arrival, who will provide information on what patient to offer befriending support Provide companionship to patients by talking and listening to them Encourage patients to participate in social and recreational activities, such as reading (this could be reading to patients or encouraging and supporting them to read to themselves), doing a jigsaw, sharing a crossword, playing cards, or other appropriate activities that appeal to the patient If you would like to do a creative or a musical activity with the patient, please consult Volunteer Services so that the activities align with Fresh Arts Guidelines Prompt patients to make their menu choices for the next day’s meals and recording these on their menu request form Chat with carers and signposting to the hospital’s carers liaison service Assist patients to fill in patient feedback forms when discharged Buy items from the hospital shop on the patient’s behalf, with permission from the patient and knowledge of the nurse in charge Notify the appropriate staff member if the patient would like refreshments, or assistance Escalate any concerns immediately to a member of staff Person specification Experience Essential criteria Excellent listening skills and a non-judgemental attitude A friendly and open manner Desirable criteria Experience working with people with cognitive impairments or dementia If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance. If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel 0117 414 1151. North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments. At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA people. Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.