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
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)
Take a look at the graphic below to see each stage of your volunteering journey.
Applications are now closed!
Thank you for your interest in taking part in our Volunteer Employability Programme.
Applicacation are now closed. We will open applications in June. The cohort will run from September to November.
Selection Event
As part of the application process, candidates are invited to attend a Selection Event. This session provides you with the opportunity to learn more about the programme, ask questions, and understand what the journey involves. It also helps our team get to know you and make sure the support we offer is suitable for your development.
Mandatory workshop dates for the next cohort
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 2026 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 14:00 PM
Workshop 2: Opportunities within the NHS
📅 Third week of September 2026 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 14:00 PM
Workshop 3: Interview Skills & Financial Literacy
📅 First week of October 2026 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 14:00 PM
Workshop 4: Preparing for the World of Work
📅 Third week of October 2026 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 14:00 PM
Attendance at all workshops is mandatory to complete the programme.
Applications are now closed! Check again in June.
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.
