Discover ways to get involved through our volunteering opportunities. NHSGGC offers a range of meaningful roles that allow you to support patients, families and staff while becoming part of a valued volunteer community.
Here you can explore all the volunteering roles available across NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde acute hospitals. Each role is designed to enhance patient experience, support our staff and contribute to a welcoming, compassionate hospital environment.
Thank you for taking the time to explore our volunteer opportunities. Volunteering with us is incredibly rewarding, and we truly value your interest.
Before You Apply
These requirements help ensure that every volunteer is safe, supported and able to make a meaningful contribution within our hospitals. Please make sure you meet the following criteria before submitting an application.
- You must be aged 16 or over. Volunteers aged 16–17 may initially volunteer only Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00 to ensure appropriate support is available.
- You must live in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
- We ask volunteers to commit to a regular weekly shift of 2–4 hours. For some roles, this will need to be at the same time or on the same day each week.
- You must be able to volunteer with us for a minimum of six months
Please note:
- We are not able to place every applicant, as availability varies across sites and roles.
- If your application is successful, a Volunteering Manager will contact you using the email address you provided.
- Please apply only once, as duplicate applications slow down the processing of your information.
If you do not hear from us within 8 weeks of submitting your application, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. We appreciate the time and interest shown by every applicant, and we encourage you to explore future opportunities as they become available.
Recruitment and Clearance
- You must provide satisfactory Disclosure Scotland clearance, where required. This is arranged by NHSGGC at no cost to you.
- If you have lived in the UK for under five years, you will need to show your Right to Work and obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct from your home country.
- You must receive Occupational Health clearance for the agreed role, where applicable.
- You must actively participate in and complete our volunteer induction training.
Onboarding Timeline
The onboarding process typically takes 6–8 weeks, which includes the interview, induction training and any necessary Disclosure Scotland checks. During busy periods it may take a little longer, but we will always do our best to keep things moving smoothly.
If you do not hear from us within 8 weeks of submitting your application, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.
NHSGGC Adult Acute Hospital Opportunities
Hospital Welcome Guides
Welcome Guides are ideal for people who enjoy engaging with others, communicate clearly, and feel comfortable being active throughout their shift. The role involves regular movement and periods of standing, and plays an important part in helping visitors navigate the hospital smoothly and feel supported from the moment they enter.
What the Role Involves
- Greeting patients, families and visitors with a friendly and approachable manner
- Offering clear directions and wayfinding support
- Providing reassurance and helping reduce anxiety in busy hospital environments
- Supporting the smooth flow of people through entrances and reception areas
- Working as part of a small team to ensure consistent cover across the week
Where You Can Volunteer
This role is available at the following NHSGGC hospital sites:
- Gartnavel General Hospital
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital
- New Stobhill Hospital
- New Victoria Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
When You Can Volunteer
Volunteering hours run Monday to Friday, with specific time slots varying by hospital site. Shifts are agreed with the Volunteering Manager and require a weekly commitment. Welcome Guides work as part of a coordinated team, helping cover holidays and absences to ensure consistent support for visitors.
Before applying, please read the role description here to make sure the role is a good fit for you. → Hospital Welcome Guide
Please do not apply for multiple roles. Submitting duplicate applications slows down the processing of your information and may delay your application being reviewed. One application is all that’s needed, and a Volunteering Manager will contact you if a suitable opportunity is available.
Ward Volunteer – Adult Acute
What Ward Volunteers Do
Ward Volunteers offer companionship, conversation and a reassuring presence to patients. Some individuals may be older, while others may be far from home or receive few or no visitors. Spending time with patients helps enrich their hospital experience and reduces feelings of isolation, boredom or frustration that can develop during long periods without social interaction or stimulation.
Someone warm, patient and genuinely interested in people is well suited to this role. Ward Volunteers should feel comfortable chatting with individuals of all ages and have a good level of spoken English to communicate clearly and confidently. The role can be busy, so an organised, friendly and compassionate approach is important, and the experience is deeply rewarding.
Where You Can Volunteer
This role is available across several NHSGGC hospital sites:
- Gartnavel General Hospital
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital
- Lightburn Hospital
- New Stobhill Hospital
- New Victoria Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Vale of Leven Hospital
When You Can Volunteer
Available slots are arranged with the Volunteering Manager. Volunteers are generally asked to commit to one 2–3 hour session per week.
Before applying, please read the role description here to make sure the role is a good fit for you. → Ward Volunteer
Please do not apply for multiple roles. Submitting duplicate applications slows down the processing of your information and may delay your application being reviewed. One application is all that’s needed, and a Volunteering Manager will contact you if a suitable opportunity is available.
Rehabilitation Support Volunteer
What Rehabilitation Support Volunteers Do
Rehabilitation Support Volunteers help patients feel motivated, supported and confident as they work through their recovery. By offering encouragement and practical help, volunteers play a meaningful part in improving the patient experience and helping individuals work toward their rehabilitation goals.
This role suits someone who is patient, encouraging and comfortable supporting people in a ward or clinical environment. Volunteers should enjoy motivating others, offering practical help and contributing to a positive, reassuring atmosphere for patients.
Where You Can Volunteer
This role is available at the following NHSGGC hospital sites:
- Gartnavel General Hospital
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital
- Lightburn Hospital
- New Stobhill Hospital
- New Victoria Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Vale of Leven Hospital
When You Can Volunteer
Available slots are arranged with the Volunteer Manager. Volunteers are generally asked to commit to one 2–3 hour session per week.
Before applying, please read the role description here to make sure the role is a good fit for you. → Rehabilitation Support Volunteer
Please do not apply for multiple roles. Submitting duplicate applications slows down the processing of your information and may delay your application being reviewed. One application is all that’s needed, and a Volunteering Manager will contact you if a suitable opportunity is available.
Staff Rest & Recuperation (R&R) Hub Volunteer
What R&R Hub Volunteers Do
R&R Hub Volunteers play an important role in creating a positive, calm and supportive environment for staff at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. This volunteer initiative is part of NHSGGC’s wider commitment to staff wellbeing, and volunteers help ensure the Hub runs smoothly throughout the day.
Your contribution supports staff by:
- Offering a warm, friendly welcome
- Preparing and serving hot drinks
- Helping maintain a tidy, inviting space
- Supporting wellbeing activities in line with NHSGGC guidelines
- Working as part of a team to keep the Hub running efficiently
This role suits someone who is friendly, calm and enjoys supporting others. Volunteers should feel comfortable working in a team, creating a welcoming atmosphere and assisting with simple tasks that help staff relax and recharge.
Where You Can Volunteer
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
When You Can Volunteer
Time slots are arranged with the Volunteer Manager. Volunteers are expected to commit to a weekly session, and the team works together to ensure cover during holidays and absences.
Before applying, please read the role description here to make sure the role is a good fit for you. → R&R HUB Volunteer
Please do not apply for multiple roles. Submitting duplicate applications slows down the processing of your information and may delay your application being reviewed. One application is all that’s needed, and a Volunteering Manager will contact you if a suitable opportunity is available.
Spiritual Care Volunteer Visitor
What Spiritual Care Volunteers Do
Spiritual Care Volunteer Visitors offer calm, non‑judgemental support to patients, families and staff through listening, comfort and a respectful presence. Working alongside the Spiritual Care Team, they help create a compassionate environment and contribute to the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of those they meet. The role focuses on being present with people during moments of uncertainty, distress or reflection, offering reassurance without judgement and respecting all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds.
This opportunity suits someone who is empathetic, patient and comfortable providing gentle emotional support. Volunteers should be good listeners, able to hold space for others, and committed to fostering a supportive, healing atmosphere within the hospital.
Where You Can Volunteer
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
When You Can Volunteer
Time slots are arranged directly with the Chaplain. Volunteers usually commit to one 3‑hour session per week.
All interviews, induction, and training for this role take place at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, regardless of which site you will volunteer at.
Before applying, please read the role description here to make sure the role is a good fit for you. → Spiritual Care Volunteer Visitor
Please do not apply for multiple roles. Submitting duplicate applications slows down the processing of your information and may delay your application being reviewed. One application is all that’s needed, and a Volunteering Manager will contact you if a suitable opportunity is available.
Inverclyde Royal Hospital – Rainbow Garden Volunteer
What do Garden Volunteers Do
The Rainbow Garden Volunteer supports the maintenance and development of the Rainbow Garden space at the Larkfield Unit, IRH. The aim is to create a tranquil, therapeutic environment for patients, visitors, and staff, promoting wellbeing through nature.
This role would suit someone who enjoys gardening, likes working outdoors, and wants to help create a calm, therapeutic space for patients, visitors, and staff.
Where: Inverclyde Royal Hospital (IRH), OT Team, Larkfield Unit
When: Wednesday evening 5pm – 7pm & Occasional Sundays
Before applying, please read the role description here to make sure the role is a good fit for you. → Rainbow Garden Volunteer
Please do not apply for multiple roles. Submitting duplicate applications slows down the processing of your information and may delay your application being reviewed. One application is all that’s needed, and a Volunteering Manager will contact you if a suitable opportunity is available.
Musical Performance Volunteer
What do Musical Performance Volunteers Do
Music helps reduce stress, lift mood, and create a calmer atmosphere for patients. Our musical volunteers enhance the hospital experience by offering gentle, supportive live music.
By playing at the bedside or in communal areas, volunteers provide comfort, emotional relief, and a positive distraction during a patient’s stay.
This role would suit someone who is confident playing music, compassionate, and able to create a calm, soothing atmosphere for patients.
Where:
- Gartnavel General Hospital
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital
- Lightburn Hospital
- New Stobhill Hospital
- New Victoria Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
When
Volunteers usually commit to one or two sessions per month, with times agreed with the Volunteer Manager.
Before applying, please read the role description here to make sure the role is a good fit for you. → Musical Performance Volunteer
Please do not apply for multiple roles. Submitting duplicate applications slows down the processing of your information and may delay your application being reviewed. One application is all that’s needed, and a Volunteering Manager will contact you if a suitable opportunity is available.
NHS GGC Support & Information Service (S&IS)
What Do S&IS Volunteers Do
The role supports the hospital’s Support & Information Service by helping manage materials and resources, delivering information to wards, and keeping brochure and storage areas organised. Volunteers provide a welcoming presence at the hospital, offering assistance to patients, visitors, and carers, promoting available services, and signposting people to the Support & Information Service when needed.
Someone who is organised, friendly, and enjoys supporting others would be well suited to this role. It involves keeping resources tidy and providing a warm, helpful presence to patients, visitors, and carers.
Where:
- New Victoria Hospital
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Vale of Leven Hospital
When: 2–2.5 hour weekly session between 10:00 and 16:30, Monday to Friday.
Before applying, please read the role description here to make sure the role is a good fit for you. → Support & Information Service Volunteer
Please do not apply for multiple roles. Submitting duplicate applications slows down the processing of your information and may delay your application being reviewed. One application is all that’s needed, and a Volunteering Manager will contact you if a suitable opportunity is available.