NHS Health Complaints volunteer advocate - Advocacy for All

Help people have a voice when it matters most. As a volunteer advocate, you'll support individuals through the NHS complaints process, ensuring their experiences and concerns are heard. You'll receive comprehensive training, develop valuable skills, and make a positive difference in your local community.

About the Organisation

Advocacy for All is an independent charity that empowers individuals to have their voices heard. Through free, independent advocacy services and self-advocacy groups, we support people to understand their rights, influence decisions about their lives, and access the support they need. Our mission is simple: Bigger Voices, Better Lives.

What you will be doing

Our NHS Complaints service provides free, independent and confidential advocacy support to people of all abilities who live in Sutton (and also other boroughs) and wish to make a complaint about any aspect of the service, care or treatment they have received, provided by the NHS. 

You will take the time to listen to the client's experience and concerns, compile the issues they wish to raise and find out their desired outcome.

You will explain the complaints procedure, explore their choices and options, explain what they can expect to achieve, and work with them through the necessary course of action.

You will also support the client by:

  • Writing complaints letters with or on behalf of clients.
  • Helping clients prepare for and attend meetings, as and when required (local resolution meetings).
  • Accurately highlighting clients’ views with their consent.
  • Escalation to the Ombudsman if needed.

What's in it for you?

  • Make a real difference by supporting people of all abilities through challenging situations.
  • Help people feel heard and respected.
  • Gain valuable skills in communication, advocacy and casework, helpful for people looking for careers in health and social care, or social work.
  • Receive training, supervision and ongoing support.
  • Flexible volunteering with a mix of office and remote work.

What skills will you need?

  • Strong listening and communication skills and confident using telephone and email.
  • Compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental approach.
  • Ability to remain calm in emotional or stressful situations.
  • Good organisational and basic IT skills (e.g. Word, PDF, Database).
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
  • Reliable, responsible, and able to work independently.
  • Willingness to learn and follow procedures.

A DBS check will be required for this role.

What's the time commitment and where? 

Time Commitment:

We are looking for 2 volunteers to work for a minimum of 4 hours on Thursdays based at the Sutton office and other week days remotely after training completed.

Location:

Advocacy for All, St Helier Community Centre, Hill House, Bishopsford Road, SM4 6BL and after training remote working is potentially an option.

How can I apply?

Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation.   It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below. 

By completing this form you agree for us to hold and store your information for the purposes of this process and to pass on your contact details to the organisation you have applied to volunteer with.

 

 

Note: Everything marked with a * is a required field.