Volunteer With Healthwatch Doncaster
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. From speaking to residents at community events to carrying out independent visits to local health services — your time and passion helps us improve care for everyone in Doncaster.
Why Volunteer With Us?
What You’ll Get From Volunteering
More Than Just Giving Back
Volunteering with Healthwatch Doncaster is a genuinely rewarding experience. As well as making a real difference in your community, you’ll gain new skills, expand your network and build your confidence in ways that are valuable in both personal and professional life.
We provide full training for every role — so you don’t need any background in health or social care to get started. We’ll support you every step of the way, and you’ll be part of a team that genuinely values what you do.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life — retired professionals, students, parents returning to work, people between jobs, and those who simply want to do something meaningful with their time. Whatever your background, there’s a place for you.
Apply Now →Volunteer Roles Available Now
We have four volunteering roles, each suited to different skills, interests and availability. All have spaces available — apply today.
Enter & View Representative
Spaces AvailableCarry out authorised visits to health and social care settings across Doncaster — observing the quality of care and producing formal reports that hold providers to account. Full authorisation training and DBS check provided. This is one of the most impactful volunteering roles we offer.
Community Engagement Volunteer
Spaces AvailableAttend community events and drop-in sessions across Doncaster, talking to residents about their experiences of health and care services and helping us reach people from all backgrounds — including seldom-heard communities.
Community Champion
Spaces AvailableBe the local link between your neighbourhood and Healthwatch Doncaster. Share information about local health services, listen to what your community says, and help us ensure that the voices of people across all of Doncaster are heard. Fully flexible — you can contribute online, in person or both.
Research & Engagement Volunteer
Limited SpacesSupport our team in designing and carrying out research projects — from helping facilitate focus groups and conducting surveys to analysing feedback and contributing to published reports. Ideal for anyone with an interest in research, health policy or public services.
How the Application Process Works
From application to your first volunteering activity, here’s what you can expect when you join Healthwatch Doncaster.
Apply Online
Complete our short online application form, telling us about yourself, your availability and which role interests you most.
Informal Chat
We’ll invite you for an informal conversation — in person or by video call — to find out more about you and answer any questions you have.
Induction & Training
You’ll complete a structured induction and any role-specific training before starting. DBS checks are arranged and funded by us for relevant roles.
Start Volunteering
Begin your first volunteering activity, supported by our team throughout. We’ll check in regularly to make sure you’re happy and well supported.
What Our Volunteers Say
I retired from the NHS after 30 years and wanted to stay connected to health care. Volunteering with Healthwatch lets me use my experience in a completely different way — and I genuinely feel like what we do makes a difference to people in Doncaster.
I was between jobs and wanted to do something meaningful. The training was brilliant, the team couldn’t be more supportive, and I’ve had experiences that have genuinely transformed my confidence. I’m now back in employment partly because of skills I built here.
Being a Community Champion means I can represent my neighbourhood and make sure the voices of people in my area are heard. It’s only a few hours a month but the impact feels significant — and the team genuinely values everything you contribute.
Training & Support for Every Volunteer
We invest in our volunteers because we know that well-supported volunteers do better work and enjoy their experience more.
Structured Induction
Every new volunteer completes a structured induction covering Healthwatch’s role, your rights and responsibilities, safeguarding, GDPR and what to expect in your role.
Role-Specific Training
Enter & View Representatives receive full authorisation training before carrying out any visits. Community Champions and Engagement Volunteers receive tailored communication and engagement training.
Ongoing Supervision
You’ll have a named staff contact who checks in with you regularly, provides feedback and support, and is always available if you have a question or concern.
DBS Checks Funded
For roles requiring a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, we arrange and fund this on your behalf. It will never cost you anything to volunteer with us.
Expenses Reimbursed
All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred while volunteering — including travel costs and any other agreed expenses — are reimbursed promptly and without fuss.
Regular Team Meetings
Volunteer team meetings are held throughout the year, giving you the chance to meet other volunteers, share experiences, receive updates and contribute to how we develop our volunteering programme.
Volunteering FAQs
Do I need any qualifications or experience?
No qualifications or prior experience are needed. We welcome people from all backgrounds. Full training is provided for every role, and we’ll support you throughout.
How much time do I need to give?
It depends on the role. Community Champions can give as little as one hour per month. Enter & View Representatives give half or a full day per visit, but visits don’t happen every month. We’ll always agree time commitment with you in advance.
Can I volunteer if I’m currently using health or care services?
Yes — your lived experience makes you a valuable volunteer. We ask only that you approach volunteering with objectivity, which our training helps you develop.
Do I need a DBS check?
Only certain roles require a DBS check — particularly Enter & View. We arrange and fund all DBS checks ourselves. We’ll let you know at the application stage if your chosen role requires one.
Can I change roles after I start?
Yes — many of our volunteers take on additional roles over time or move between roles as their interests and availability change. Just talk to your volunteer coordinator.
What if volunteering isn’t right for me?
That’s absolutely fine. You can stop volunteering at any time without any obligation. We just ask for a brief conversation so we can understand your reasons and improve the experience for future volunteers.
Ready to Get Involved?
Take the first step and complete our short online volunteer application. We’ll be in touch within five working days to arrange an informal chat.