Volunteering at St Oswald's Hospice

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with St Oswald’s

We update this page with our current volunteering opportunities and role descriptions. If you’d like to apply for a role, please return your completed form to volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org.

Please note, we are only able to accept application forms specifically for the available volunteering opportunities shown on this page. If you’re still interested in volunteering but can’t find a suitable role today, please keep checking back for new opportunities soon.

Get prepared!

St Oswald’s Hospice is keen to recruit volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, to ensure that everybody has a chance to contribute to the development of our organisation and get valuable personal and professional experience along the way. Every volunteer application is followed up by an informal interview, during which staff aim to understand volunteer applicants’ skills, experience, achievements and motivations. You can find our informal interview questions as well as the volunteer journey below – we are hoping that providing this form ahead of time will give future volunteers the best opportunity to feel prepared and informed and to provide a warm, inclusive welcome.

Your volunteer journey

Informal interview questions

Download the informal interview questions below.

Download

People Charter for Volunteers

Download People Charter for Volunteers below.

Download

Your Volunteer handbook

Download Volunteer handbook below.

Download

Hospice volunteering roles

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Permanent Trustee and Associate Trustee Volunteers

We’re seeking two compassionate healthcare professionals to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of care at St Oswald’s Hospice.  If you have clinical expertise and a passion for making a difference – this opportunity could be for you.

Trustee opportunities

· Permanent Trustee: A long-term position on our Board.
· Associate Trustee: A 6–12-month role, offering temporary clinical expertise.

As a Trustee, you will:

· Oversee the quality of clinical care and ensure our services meet CQC standards.
· Provide guidance and constructive feedback to maintain the highest level of patient care and safety.

We’re looking for someone who:

· Has extensive experience as a senior nurse, allied healthcare professional, or medical practitioner in the UK.
· Understands clinical governance and can ensure care quality and safety through informed leadership.

Desirable skills

Experience in palliative care, bereavement support, or working with children and young adults with complex needs is a plus. We also value a background in healthcare research or education.

Why join us?

This is your chance to make a real impact in your community. As a Trustee, you’ll collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure St Oswald’s Hospice remains a trusted source of compassionate care. The role includes six Board meetings a year, with opportunities for further engagement. Comprehensive induction and ongoing support are provided.

Interested?

Contact our Company Secretary at christymallen@stoswaldsuk.org for more details or to arrange an informal chat. An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Download Trustee role description Download Associate Trustee role description
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Ward Helper Volunteer

Our amazing Adult Inpatient Unit is looking for extra helping hands! We are looking to recruit a number of Ward Helper Volunteers to provide a food and drinks service to our patients.

You will be working alongside our fabulous Catering and Ward teams and provide a friendly presence for patients and their families – primarily listening and offering informal companionship when needed.

Current vacancies are:

  • Morning Coffee – 10am – 11:30am on Monday
  • Lunch – 12.15pm – 1.45pm Monday – Friday
  • Afternoon Tea – 2pm- 3.30pm on Tuesday and Wednesdays
Download role description Apply now
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Main Reception Volunteer

Our Main Reception provides a warm welcome for everyone at St Oswald’s Hospice. It is the hub and heart of our Gosforth site and the first point of contact for patients, families and visitors – as well as for staff, volunteers and deliveries.

We are keen to recruit volunteers to regularly support us on either the early evening shift on a Monday 4.30 pm -7.30pm (once every fortnight); or on the Sunday morning shift 9am -1pm (once every three weeks).

This special volunteering role will best suit someone with a calm, confident communication style and a friendly, sensitive manner. Volunteers on both shifts need to be comfortable working unsupervised, as the Main Reception staff will be off shift.

The main tasks of the role will be to meet and greet families and visitors of patients from our adult in patient ward; ensure that all Hospice visitors sign in and out, complying with fire safety regulations; accept deliveries and collections of goods; process incoming donations of cash / cheques from visitors; and assist some of the Hospice teams with occasional jobs such as envelope stuffing and mailshots.

Both volunteering roles are open to applicants aged 18 years and over.

Download role description Apply now
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Driver Volunteers (Various roles available)

Ready to embark on a journey of compassion and care? As part of our volunteer transport team, you’ll be more than a driver – you’ll be a lifeline, offering personalised transport services to those in need.

Your role involves more than just driving. Your warmth, tact, empathy, and sensitivity will create a comforting environment for our patients.

From delivering garments to patients’ homes to collecting equipment and supporting hospice services, your friendly nature will ensure every interaction leaves a positive impact. You’ll be a crucial link in our care network.

We are keen to recruit Volunteer Minibus and Pool Car Drivers, Volunteer Non-Patient Drivers and a Volunteer Non-Patient Driver:

Volunteer Minibus and Pool Car Drivers

If you have a full UK driving licence and are willing to undergo necessary training, including MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme), then we would love to hear from you! Vacancies for Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and/or Fridays.

Download role description | Apply now

Volunteer Own Car Drivers

If you have your own transport, a full UK driving licence and a willingness to undergo necessary training, then we would love to hear from you! Vacancies for Wednesdays, Thursdays and/or Fridays.

Download role description | Apply now

Volunteer Non-Patient Drivers

As a Non-Patient Driver, you’ll be at the forefront of providing essential services to our patients and supporters. From delivering garments to patients’ homes to collecting equipment and supporting services within the hospice, your friendly and outgoing nature will ensure that every interaction leaves a positive impact. Vacancy for Thursdays and/or Fridays but other week days may be available if an applicant prefers this. A full UK Driving Licence is required for this role.

Download role description | Apply now

Apply now
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Gardening Volunteers

Are you enthusiastic about gardening? Ready to make a difference to the lives of our patients and families?

We’re looking to expand our volunteer team and would love to hear from anyone with a passion for gardening and skill to share as a Gardening Volunteer!

Download role description Apply now
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Facilities Volunteer (Maintenance)

Our fantastic Facilities Team is looking for helping hands to support a wide variety of tasks right across the Hospice. If you’re a dab hand at DIY and have practical maintenance skills to share or develop, we’d love to hear from you! This role supports our friendly and busy team in keeping our clinical areas, offices and other spaces in good working order as a safe and welcoming place to be.

We are currently recruiting two volunteers for this role.

Download role description Apply now

Retail volunteering roles

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Shop Volunteer

Our fabulous shops are always looking to boost their volunteer power! You’ll be part of day to day shop life – customer service, processing donations and ensuring your retail space is inviting, organised and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you see yourself creatively dressing windows, sorting and preparing stock, or front and centre behind the till, retail volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people, gain experience and skills for your CV and of course to generate income for our wonderful Hospice.

If you would like to find out more information about any of our shop volunteer roles, please email us below stating which shop/shops you would like to volunteer at. (Find your local St Oswald’s shop here).

volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org
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Van Crew Volunteers

Might you enjoy helping us by volunteering with our Van Crew? We would love to take on some more Van Assistant volunteers to support our brilliant Drivers. You’ll be involved in the moving and handling of large household items, and making collections / deliveries from our shops around the region.

The role will be based at Kingston Park and will suit someone keen to support us in a physically demanding volunteer role, within a friendly team. Days optional Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm.

If you would like to apply or find out more information about the role, please email us through the link below.

volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org
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Shop Volunteer (Gosforth Shop & Gosforth Books Shop)

Do you have some spare time available to regularly support us in our very recently refurbished Gosforth Shop or Gosforth Books Shop? This could be the opportunity for you.

This is a great opportunity for volunteers who like to try a bit of everything, from dealing with customers face-to-face to taking payment for goods, answering customer enquiries to sorting donations and helping to prepare them for sale. There are a range of opportunities for volunteers to support us in both the front and back of our Gosforth shops.

Good communication skills are desirable for these exciting roles. It is an opportunity to make new friends, meet new people and join a friendly team at the heart of the local community.

Volunteering can help boost or maintain your skills and confidence – and if you don’t have the skills needed, then where possible we’ll help to develop them. Often, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and a ready smile are the most important skills required. There is no need for any previous retail or volunteering experience.

To chat to us about volunteering in our Gosforth Shops please contact Marc, our shop manager at the Gosforth Shops, on 0191 284 7298 or email us at GosforthShop@stoswaldsuk.org. Volunteering is open to those aged 14 years and over.

volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org
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Volunteer Book Scanner

Location: Various Locations. Role available in all of our shops. Find your local shop here.  

Schedule: Flexible hours, Monday – Saturday  

About the Role: Join our team as a Volunteer Book Scanner and help raise funds for St Oswald’s Hospice! In this role, you’ll use an online platform called Shopiago to scan barcodes of donated books, CDs and DVDs – helping to maximise the money we raise. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to volunteer in a non-customer-facing role with flexible hours. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Scan barcodes using a laptop or tablet. 
  • Assess quality of books, CDs and DVDs to ensure they’re suitable for resale. 
  • Pack books for shipping. 

Why Volunteer With Us? 

  • Flexible Schedule: Volunteer as much or as little as you like. 
  • Inclusive: Open to people of all abilities. 
  • Meaningful Impact: Your efforts help us raise funds for our important work in the community. 

Who Should Apply? Anyone interested in a simple, flexible volunteering opportunity. This role is perfect if you prefer to work behind the scenes or if you’re looking for a way to make a difference without a fixed schedule. 

How to Get Involved: Contact us to learn more and start making a difference today! Email volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org  to find out more or pop into your local shop.  

volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org Meet Frank, one of our Volunteer Book Scanners
St Oswald's Hospice eBay shop

Volunteer eBay Sales Assistant

Location: St Oswald’s Hospice Retail Hub, Ouseburn, Ouse Street, NE1 2AG 

About the Role: As an eBay Sales Assistant volunteer at St Oswald’s Hospice, you will play a vital role in identifying and listing valuable items from our donations for sale on our popular eBay page. This role involves selecting items with high resale potential, creating compelling listings, and assisting with packaging and shipping sold items. Your efforts will directly support the hospice’s charitable mission. 

Key Responsibilities: 

•Review and assess donated items to select those suitable for online sale.
• Research and identify items with high resale value, including collectibles, fashion, electronics, and more. 
• Create detailed and attractive eBay listings, including writing descriptions, setting prices, and uploading photos. 
• Assist with the packing and shipping of sold items, ensuring they are securely packaged for delivery. 

Ideal Candidate: 

• Strong interest in e-commerce and online sales. 
• Ability to identify valuable items and knowledge of market trends. 
• Good written communication skills for crafting engaging product descriptions. 
• Detail-oriented with an eye for presentation. 
• Reliable, with a willingness to learn and adapt. 

Benefits: 

• Gain experience in online retail and e-commerce. 
• Contribute to a meaningful cause by supporting St Oswald’s Hospice. 
• Be part of a dynamic and friendly team. 
• Enhance your skills in product evaluation, listing, and sales management. 

How to Apply: Interested in helping us raise funds through online sales? Contact our eBay Team Leader Sarah Ollerenshaw (sarahollerenshaw@stoswaldsuk.org) to apply or for more information. 

Don’t take our word for it, read about our eBay volunteer Dave’s experience working with us here. 

Contact Sarah Ollerenshaw
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Volunteer Fashion Finder

Location: St Oswald’s Hospice Retail Hub, Ouseburn, Ouse Street, NE1 2AG 

About the Role: As a Fashion Finder volunteer at St Oswald’s Hospice, you’ll play a key role in identifying high-quality, fashion forward items from our generous donations. Your keen eye for fashion and awareness of current trends will help curate unique collections for sale through our online platforms. This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference while indulging your passion for fashion and sustainability. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Scour incoming donations to select the best fashion pieces, including clothing, accessories, and footwear. 
  • Stay up-to-date with fashion trends and popular brands to identify items with the highest resale potential. 
  • Create themed or trend-based collections that appeal to our online shoppers. 
  • Collaborate with the online sales team to ensure accurate descriptions and pricing of curated items. 
  • Assist with styling and photographing selected items to showcase their appeal on our online store. 

Ideal Candidate: 

  • A passion for fashion and knowledge of current trends. 
  • Good eye for detail and quality. 
  • Ability to work independently and make informed decisions. 
  • Interest in sustainable fashion and supporting a charitable cause. 
  • Basic knowledge of fashion brands and garment care. 

Benefits: 

  • Gain experience in the fashion retail sector. 
  • Be part of a supportive and enthusiastic team. 
  • Contribute to a charitable cause, helping fund the vital work of St Oswald’s Hospice. 

How to Apply: If you have a flair for fashion and want to help make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact our E-Commerce Manager Rebecca Robinson (rebeccarobinson@stoswaldsuk.org) for more details or to apply. 

Contact Rebecca Robinson
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Sorting Volunteer

Location: St Oswald’s Hospice Retail Hub, Ouseburn, Ouse Street, NE1 2AG 

About the Role: As a Sorting Volunteer at St Oswald’s Hospice, you will play a crucial role in the initial processing of donations. Working under the guidance of the Retail Stock Team Leader, you will be responsible for sorting, categorising, and preparing donated items for distribution to our network of charity shops. Your efforts will ensure that high-quality stock is efficiently processed and made available to generate funds for the hospice. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Assist in the sorting of incoming donations, ensuring items are placed in appropriate categories (e.g., clothing, accessories, books, homeware). 
  • Identify and set aside high-value or specialty items for further evaluation. 
  • Ensure that damaged or unsellable items are properly disposed of or recycled, in line with the hospice’s sustainability goals. 
  • Help maintain an organized and tidy warehouse environment by ensuring that sorted items are stored correctly and labelled appropriately. 

Ideal Candidate: 

  • Attention to Detail: Keen eye for quality and the ability to accurately assess the condition of donated items. 
  • Team Player: Willingness to work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff, contributing to a positive and productive team environment. 
  • Reliable and Committed: Punctual and dependable, with a commitment to supporting the hospice’s mission. 

Benefits: 

  • Contribute to a Meaningful Cause: Your work will directly support St Oswald’s Hospice, helping to provide care and support to those in need. 
  • Gain Experience in Retail Operations: Develop valuable skills in stock management, quality control, and warehouse operations. 
  • Be Part of a Supportive Community: Join a team of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. 

How to Apply:
Interested in joining our team as a Sorting Volunteer? Contact Ann Traynor (AnnTraynor@stoswaldsuk.org) to apply or for more information. 

Contact Ann Traynor
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Donation Point Receptionist Volunteer

Location: St Oswald’s Hospice Donation Point, Ouse Street, Byker, NE1 2AG 

About the Role: We’re looking for someone to provide a warm welcome to supporters donating their second-hand items at our new Donation Point in Ouseburn!

Key Responsibilities:

  • To meet and greet people donating their second-hand goods
  • To encourage all donors to sign up to Gift Aid where possible. If donors are already signed up, to ask them for their Gift Aid number to add to their bags of donations
  • Answering and forwarding phone calls to the sorting team and event venue, the space
  • Ensuring the Donation Point remains tidy throughout the day

Ideal Candidate:

  • Friendly and approachable
  • Organised and adaptable
  • Comfortable and physically able to move donations from reception into the sorting area (Desirable but not essential)

Benefits: 

  • Gain experience in the fashion retail sector. 
  • Be part of a supportive and enthusiastic team, based at our newest location.
  • Contribute to a charitable cause, helping fund the vital work of St Oswald’s Hospice. 

 

 

 

Download role description Apply now