• Friday Evening

Here at The Kirkwood we provide a range of care and support aimed at improving the lives of people affected by any life-limiting illness in our local communities. We are extremely fortunate to have the support and commitment of over 800 dedicated volunteers who work alongside staff in a variety of roles and departments. The Kirkwood Team work tirelessly to support people to improve their quality of life; remain as independent as possible; and maintain their dignity until the very end. Families and loved-ones are also supported during the illness and in bereavement.

We couldn't do what we do without our loyal volunteers! We aim to offer the very best  volunteering experience, including a comprehensive induction; an annual education & training programme; long-service awards; and volunteer & staff celebration events. We'd love to hear from you if you can spare some of your time to help Kirkwood care and extend its reach to others that could benefit from the services we provide.

Volunteering opportunities at The Kirkwood are many and varied. If you're looking for something local, each and every one of our 21 charity shops is continually taking on new volunteers. Likewise, there are always opportunities at the Hospice itself and if you've got a particular skill or talent that we've not yet thought about, then we'll happily create a new role if it will benefit our cause. If you prefer to be out and about, Befriending and the Kirkwood Ambassador role offer exciting opportunities to put The Kirkwood at the heart of local communities.

As a Kirkwood volunteer, you will be helping us to provide care to people from your own community who are affected by a life-limiting illness. A little of your time can make a massive difference to what we can achieve!  Is it your time to make a difference?  We hope to hear from you soon!

We are looking for Volunteer Receptionists who will complement our dedicated team of Reception Coordinators, to provide a high-quality service. The Volunteer Receptionist will work closely with their reception colleagues and other Kirkwood employees to ensure that the philosophy of welcome and care is extended to patients, families and visitors at all times.

Location: This role is based in a busy reception function at The Kirkwood Hospice site at 21 Albany Road, Dalton, Huddersfield, HD5 9UY

Days/ times required: We are currently looking for volunteers who are available to cover the shift on Friday evenings.(5.30pm – 8pm)

Tasks will include:

• Welcoming visitors to the Hospice in a courteous and friendly manner and directing them appropriately.
• Answering incoming calls and transferring promptly to individuals and/or departments.
• Taking messages as required and ensuring that these are accurately recorded and passed on promptly.
• Supporting with deliveries for patients or departments on site
• Assisting with a range of services provided to visitors, staff and patients
• Receiving donations and completing the necessary documentation
• Supporting the service with smooth handover processes
• Operating a till system for the process of purchases

Personal Qualities:

This role does not require any specific qualifications.

We are looking for volunteers who have:

Empathy: Sensitive to the needs of the person they are speaking with. Able to show compassion, kindness and patience.

Communication: Can adapt their communication style to the needs of the person they are speaking to either face to face or over the telephone. Able to ask appropriate questions in order to direct visitors/callers to the correct person/department. This includes non-verbal communication and active listening. Have knowledge of what information should and should not be shared, always adhering to our strict Confidentiality Policy. Understands their responsibility in relation to safeguarding a vulnerable adult.

Relationship Building: Confident at building a rapport by making others feel comfortable and at ease by being professional, friendly and approachable.  Displays a high level of honesty and integrity. Aware of their own emotions, and tolerance levels acting without judgment. Appreciates the time and emotional commitment required and the potential emotional challenges involved in this role.

Organisation: Recognises the importance of being punctual, reliable and consistent. Able to demonstrate flexibility to support our services.

Motivation: Is genuinely committed to making a positive difference to people’s lives. They are enthusiastic and committed to the role.

Teamwork: Understands the importance of volunteering as part of a team. Able to use initiative and act independently with the knowledge of knowing when to seek support.

We are keen to hear from anyone who has:

• Excellent communication and listening skills
• The ability to be flexible
• A desire to support the Kirkwood
• Smart appearance
• Reliable and consistent
• Helpful and dependable
• Able to volunteer within defined role boundaries
• Able to comply with our strict Confidentiality Policy

This role does not require any specific qualifications or professional registration.

Volunteers are required to complete an application form, provide two references, and obtain a Standard DBS Disclosure.

Volunteers are required to complete online training and specific training/mentoring will be provide for this role.

Ongoing supervision, training and development will continue throughout your volunteering with The Kirkwood and support is always available from the Volunteer Services Team.

To keep up to date with requirements and legislation directly relevant to this role, some training will be repeated on an annual basis.

Wherever possible, The Kirkwood would prefer a minimum six month commitment for volunteering roles. However, each applicant will be treated individually.

The Kirkwood

18 yrs and above

• IT/Office/Admin

• Application form required
• References required
• DBS (criminal record check that the organisation will organise)

21/06/2026