Volunteer Hub
Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care
Organisation Details
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (2026)
Sub theme: Hospitals and Hospices
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Join our team to support the community and gain meaningful experience!
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is committed to improving the health and quality of life of the diverse communities it serves by delivering compassionate, inclusive, and collaborative care. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting this mission, contributing their time and energy to enhance patient experience, staff morale, and service delivery across all hospital sites.
We value our volunteers as an integral part of our workforce, recognising their contributions through structured support, training, and national accreditation such as the Investing in Volunteers award. MFT fosters a culture of respect, dignity, and open communication, ensuring that volunteers feel empowered and appreciated in their roles.
Who can apply?
Anyone with a passion to make a difference and a willingness to give their time can apply to become a volunteer. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. Whether you have specific skills to offer or simply a desire to help, there are opportunities available for everyone.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, with no upper age limit, as long as they are able to perform the responsibilities of the role at MFT.
Where can I volunteer?
We have a variety of volunteer roles available across our hospital sites; however, please note that your preferred site may depend on availability and service needs. Our hospitals include:
Oxford Road Campus (ORC) – Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and University Dental Hospital of Manchester
Wythenshawe Hospital, Withington Community Hospital, Trafford General Hospital, and Altrincham Hospital (WTWA)
North Manchester General Hospital
Local Care Organisation (LCO), and Trafford Local Care Organisation (TLCO)
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is committed to improving the health and quality of life of the diverse communities it serves by delivering compassionate, inclusive, and collaborative care. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting this mission, contributing their time and energy to enhance patient experience, staff morale, and service delivery across all hospital sites.
We value our volunteers as an integral part of our workforce, recognising their contributions through structured support, training, and national accreditation such as the Investing in Volunteers award. MFT fosters a culture of respect, dignity, and open communication, ensuring that volunteers feel empowered and appreciated in their roles.
Who can apply?
Anyone with a passion to make a difference and a willingness to give their time can apply to become a volunteer. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. Whether you have specific skills to offer or simply a desire to help, there are opportunities available for everyone.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, with no upper age limit, as long as they are able to perform the responsibilities of the role at MFT.
Where can I volunteer?
We have a variety of volunteer roles available across our hospital sites; however, please note that your preferred site may depend on availability and service needs. Our hospitals include:
Oxford Road Campus (ORC) – Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and University Dental Hospital of Manchester
Wythenshawe Hospital, Withington Community Hospital, Trafford General Hospital, and Altrincham Hospital (WTWA)
North Manchester General Hospital
Local Care Organisation (LCO), and Trafford Local Care Organisation (TLCO)
Description of role: ROLE PURPOSE
The volunteer role is designed to provide compassionate, non-judgmental spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and colleagues within a healthcare setting, and providing a link for them with hospital chaplains where appropriate. Volunteers work alongside the Chaplaincy team to help meet the diverse spiritual needs of individuals, regardless of faith or belief, offering a listening ear, presence, and comfort during times of illness, crisis, or loss.
All members of the Chaplaincy team, including the volunteers, are expected to participate as full team members and work collaboratively with individuals from all faiths and beliefs.
Please note: This role does not replace the work of colleagues but directly benefits colleagues by offering valuable support.
Volunteers will:
• Support only patients identified by the Chaplaincy team as appropriate for volunteer interaction.
• Provide face to face, peer support to patients, creating a warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental environment.
• Engage with patients through meaningful conversation and, where appropriate, share readings from religious or spiritual texts.
• Maintain a friendly, respectful, and compassionate presence at all times.
• Uphold patient confidentiality and the values of dignity and respect.
• Be reliable, flexible, and adaptable to different situations.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE CHAPLAINCY VOLUNTEER
• Report to the Chaplain in charge before starting and after completing ward visits
• Support the Chaplaincy team in providing high-quality religious, spiritual and pastoral care.
• Regularly visit patients on designated wards to offer listening, support, and friendship (without imposing personal beliefs).
• Liaise with the Chaplains to ensure specific religious or spiritual needs are met.
• Refer any concerns arising from visits to ward colleagues when appropriate.
• Signpost patients to Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Services.
• Offer patients the opportunity for bedside communion, prayer, scripture, or a Chaplain visit when appropriate.
• Assist with worship services, religious rites, or rituals, including setting up spaces and materials.
Maintain and update chaplaincy information, displays and promotional resources.
• Support the Friends and Family Test (FFT) and other patient experience surveys by distributing, collecting and logging data.
• Participating in local and national initiatives, e.g., Religious Events or Armistice Day.
• Promote and uphold equality, diversity, and individual rights in line with MFT policies.
• Act as a buddy or mentor for new volunteers.
• Support colleagues with general enquiries and office duties, e.g., filing, laminating, photocopying, scanning, processing incoming and outgoing post.
• Follow all food hygiene and uniform guidelines, including:
o Hair tied back
o Bare below the elbows
o No jewellery, artificial nails, gel or acrylics
o Cuts must be covered with a waterproof plaster
o Seek advice if uncertain
RECORD AND REVIEW
• Observe and support sessions, completing paper-based record.
• Submit records to the Chaplain in Charge, who uploads the information onto HIVE.
TRAINING
Volunteers are required to:
• Complete all MFT Mandatory Training and maintain up to date records.
• Undertake Hand Hygiene and Infection and Prevention – Level 2
• Develop a working knowledge of MFT policies and procedures relating to patient care.
• Actively support equality, diversity, and individual rights, taking action if policies are undermined.
• Be adaptable to new duties as service needs evolve.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHAPLAINS SUPERVISING THE VOLUNTEER
• Provide a thorough orientation to the venue, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Supervise and support the volunteer during their sessions.
• Assign meaningful tasks aligned with the volunteer’s skills and organisational needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact, offering guidance, support, and regular communication to help them feel welcomed and valued
The volunteer role is designed to provide compassionate, non-judgmental spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and colleagues within a healthcare setting, and providing a link for them with hospital chaplains where appropriate. Volunteers work alongside the Chaplaincy team to help meet the diverse spiritual needs of individuals, regardless of faith or belief, offering a listening ear, presence, and comfort during times of illness, crisis, or loss.
All members of the Chaplaincy team, including the volunteers, are expected to participate as full team members and work collaboratively with individuals from all faiths and beliefs.
Please note: This role does not replace the work of colleagues but directly benefits colleagues by offering valuable support.
Volunteers will:
• Support only patients identified by the Chaplaincy team as appropriate for volunteer interaction.
• Provide face to face, peer support to patients, creating a warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental environment.
• Engage with patients through meaningful conversation and, where appropriate, share readings from religious or spiritual texts.
• Maintain a friendly, respectful, and compassionate presence at all times.
• Uphold patient confidentiality and the values of dignity and respect.
• Be reliable, flexible, and adaptable to different situations.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE CHAPLAINCY VOLUNTEER
• Report to the Chaplain in charge before starting and after completing ward visits
• Support the Chaplaincy team in providing high-quality religious, spiritual and pastoral care.
• Regularly visit patients on designated wards to offer listening, support, and friendship (without imposing personal beliefs).
• Liaise with the Chaplains to ensure specific religious or spiritual needs are met.
• Refer any concerns arising from visits to ward colleagues when appropriate.
• Signpost patients to Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Services.
• Offer patients the opportunity for bedside communion, prayer, scripture, or a Chaplain visit when appropriate.
• Assist with worship services, religious rites, or rituals, including setting up spaces and materials.
Maintain and update chaplaincy information, displays and promotional resources.
• Support the Friends and Family Test (FFT) and other patient experience surveys by distributing, collecting and logging data.
• Participating in local and national initiatives, e.g., Religious Events or Armistice Day.
• Promote and uphold equality, diversity, and individual rights in line with MFT policies.
• Act as a buddy or mentor for new volunteers.
• Support colleagues with general enquiries and office duties, e.g., filing, laminating, photocopying, scanning, processing incoming and outgoing post.
• Follow all food hygiene and uniform guidelines, including:
o Hair tied back
o Bare below the elbows
o No jewellery, artificial nails, gel or acrylics
o Cuts must be covered with a waterproof plaster
o Seek advice if uncertain
RECORD AND REVIEW
• Observe and support sessions, completing paper-based record.
• Submit records to the Chaplain in Charge, who uploads the information onto HIVE.
TRAINING
Volunteers are required to:
• Complete all MFT Mandatory Training and maintain up to date records.
• Undertake Hand Hygiene and Infection and Prevention – Level 2
• Develop a working knowledge of MFT policies and procedures relating to patient care.
• Actively support equality, diversity, and individual rights, taking action if policies are undermined.
• Be adaptable to new duties as service needs evolve.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHAPLAINS SUPERVISING THE VOLUNTEER
• Provide a thorough orientation to the venue, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Supervise and support the volunteer during their sessions.
• Assign meaningful tasks aligned with the volunteer’s skills and organisational needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact, offering guidance, support, and regular communication to help them feel welcomed and valued
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Customer Service, Event Planning
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Location: