Our ambition is that all volunteers feel appreciated, respected and proud to be part of the Sue Ryder team. Here, you can read about what we expect from you, and what you can expect from us.

We are committed to developing volunteering opportunities that benefit the charity as well as providing an experience that is rewarding for volunteers in an atmosphere that is inclusive, stimulating and supportive.

This includes making sure that volunteers are represented at every level of our work; that their voices are heard, and that their opinions are valued.

Our volunteers are at the heart of Sue Ryder

We couldn’t provide our expert care without the time, skills and dedication that volunteers bring.

From supporting the delivery of care services to serving customers in our shops, our volunteers are advocates for our work.

Community Engagement

We are proud of our diverse workforce and actively encourage people of all ages and from all walks of life to apply. Sue Ryder volunteering is very much engaged with promoting community engagement and cohesion through our ready-made communities across retail, healthcare and beyond promoting participation and well-being for all.

Sue Ryder also works with programmes for those currently serving and ex-offenders. We're both vigilant and thorough in our risk assessment processes and work within the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and equal opportunities legislation.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility is increasingly being used as a way for companies and businesses to give back to the communities they serve. This is often done through allowing staff to volunteer for a certain number of hours per month, supporting one off events or helping with fundraising.

There are lots of great volunteering opportunities across Sue Ryder for you and your organisation to get involved with, so please get in touch if you are interested in finding out more.

Our volunteer guidelines

What volunteers can expect from us. We will:

Make sure volunteers have all the training they need in their role
Ensure volunteers feel appreciated and respected
Give all prospective volunteers equal opportunities; celebrating diversity and being inclusive
Provide volunteers with regular support in a way that suits them
Ask for feedback and provide opportunities for volunteers to help shape our future
Celebrate successes and recognise the contribution of volunteers across the charity
Resolve any concerns or complaints promptly and fairly
Ensure volunteers have a clear idea of what their role involves
Match volunteer skills and interests with appropriate roles that help the charity achieve its ambition
Store volunteer data safely and correctly
Take steps to make sure all our volunteers and patients are safe

We want to make sure all our services and support continue to flourish with the contribution of volunteers.

In order to do so we ask all our volunteers to:

Show support and consideration to your fellow volunteers and staff
Support Sue Ryder values and behaviours
Respect the confidentiality of people in our care and colleagues
Act in a way that doesn’t discriminate or exclude anyone
Give as much notice as possible if you are unable to fulfil your planned volunteering, or no longer wish to be involved in volunteering
Carry out any training that is needed in your role
Work within our policies and procedures and guidelines; taking responsibility for their own health and safety
Act as an ambassador for Sue Ryder
Bring any concerns or issues to the attention of their local Volunteer Coordinator or line manager

Questions, concerns and complaints

We welcome any feedback and encourage you to raise concerns or complaints with your volunteering line manager. If concerns cannot be resolved at this level, the regional or departmental manager can investigate.

If you feel unsatisfied with the outcome of previous stages, you can appeal to the Sue Ryder Head of Volunteer Development and Engagement.

We aim to acknowledge concerns within two working days and respond more comprehensively within 10 working days.

More information

Volunteer or work in our shops

Volunteer your time or become an employee at one of our Sue Ryder charity shops.

Joining our volunteer team

By joining our friendly team of volunteers, you’ll make a real difference and help us to provide more expert care for more people.

Frequently asked questions about volunteering

We've answered some common questions about volunteering with Sue Ryder.