Are you looking for a route into work?
Our Volunteer Employability Programme at St Mary’s Hospital gives you the chance to gain practical skills and experience that will help you find your next job. The 10-week programme offers valuable learning opportunities alongside a hospital volunteering role, giving you a head start in your job search.
As part of the programme, you’ll be offered:
- a volunteering role at St Mary’s Hospital
- personalised 1-1 coaching sessions to develop your employability skills
- support with CV building, writing applications and taking part in interviews
- opportunities to learn from the experiences of NHS staff at St Mary’s
- reimbursement for transport costs and refreshments
Take the next step in your healthcare career
Our programme is designed to support anyone looking for a job, an apprenticeship or further education in the healthcare or social care sector.
We’ll work with you to build your confidence and equip you with all the information and skills you need to choose your next path.
Throughout the programme, you’ll be coached by a dedicated member of our team. And you’ll also be mentored by a member of NHS staff at St Mary’s Hospital as part of your volunteer role.
After 10 weeks you’ll receive your personalised employability toolkit, including:
- a strong CV and an supporting statement for NHS application forms
- an interview preparation pack
- a reference letter
- a personalised exit activity plan
- a completed NHS form as a guide for future job applications
- a booklet containing information about different NHS career paths and how to apply
- a list of social support networks in the local community
- a pin badge for completing 30 hours of volunteering to add to your CV
Take a look at the graphic below to see each stage of your volunteering journey.
Mandatory workshop dates
As part of the programme, you’ll be required to attend the following workshops. Please ensure you are available for these sessions before applying:
Workshop 1: Orientation & Resilience Building
📅 Early September 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 14:00 PM
Workshop 2: Opportunities within the NHS
📅 Third week of September 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 14:00 PM
Workshop 3: Interview Skills & Financial Literacy
📅 First week of October 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 14:00 PM
Attendance at all workshops is mandatory to complete the programme.
Eligibility Criteria
- 18 years old or above
- Right to live and work in the UK (we are unable to provide sponsorship or take on anyone on a sponsored visa)
- Resident of Northwest and Central London
- Good communication skills
- Good understanding of the English language (O’Levels/ Functional skills L2 in literacy and numeracy skills would be ideal)
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to commit to the VEP journey (this programme is not suitable for those in education or working over 20 hours a week)
Applications Closed
Thank you for your interest in taking part in our Volunteer Employability Programme. The programme is currently closed but will be reopened to new applicants later this year. Check this page again in October for information about how to apply for our next programme starting in January 2026.
Applications Closed- Check again in October
If you have any other questions about our Volunteer Employability Programme, please contact our volunteering team for more information. You can email volunteering@imperialcharity.org.uk or call 020 3005 6391.
