Imperial Health Charity awarded Investing in Volunteers' accreditation for third time
Imperial Health Charity awarded Investing in Volunteers' accreditation for third time
26 August 2025
Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers, and aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience for all volunteers.
To assess the programme, Investing in Volunteers interviewed 60 volunteers across various roles, ages, and hospital sites, as well as seven members of charity staff and 10 NHS staff who work alongside volunteers.
Their feedback highlighted the positive impact of volunteering on their personal and professional lives. One NHS staff member shared: “We couldn’t function without volunteers; they’re our eyes and ears. We can do our jobs better because of the support of volunteers, and that ultimately means a better experience for patients.”
Several volunteers also shared the sense of satisfaction they felt at being able to give back. One shared: “My children were born here; it holds a special place in my heart. I enjoy seeing patients’ faces light up when they have someone to talk to.”
Head of Volunteering, Chris Neal, said: “Volunteers have a big impact on our patients, visitors and staff, and I’m proud that our volunteering programme has been recognised as industry leading, with volunteers reporting such a high-quality experience.
"A big thank you to all our volunteers who make such a difference, and to the volunteering team for delivering such a great programme.”
Our volunteers make a meaningful difference every day – from meeting and greeting patients at the front doors of the hospitals, supporting patients at the bedside with activities and during mealtimes, and providing specialist support through roles such as gardening volunteers, library service or breastfeeding support.
For young people, the Youth Volunteering Programme offers a chance to give back to their local hospital, while the Volunteer Employability Programme provides a pathway into careers in health and social care with specialist training and development.
Since the charity took ownership of the volunteering programme in 2016, its growth has been incredible. In the last year alone, more than 1,000 volunteers gave over 35,000 hours, across over 12,000 shifts, supporting patients 184,000 times, making a real difference to everyone who enters the hospital doors.
Interested in volunteering? Visit our Opportunities page to find a role that suits you.
Interested in Volunteering? Visit our I want to volunteer page to find a role that suits you.
