Clear Pathway is a collaborative new project that VHS is delivering from May 2016 onwards. It aims to support safe, effective and person centred volunteering in NHS settings, with the focus on volunteers recruited and managed by third sector organisations.
The extent, nature and contribution of third sector volunteering in NHS settings across Scotland is currently unknown and needs to be better understood and learning shared. Better coproduction and a more systematic process would improve the effectiveness of the volunteer contribution and the care and safety of patients.
Clear Pathway will strengthen engagement between NHS Boards and the third sector, providing leadership and support for the co-production of clearer processes for partnership working around volunteering. Practical work (from May 2016) includes mapping of existing third sector volunteering and processes in NHS settings, engagement work in selected NHS Board areas, and the development of guidance and case studies.
Clear Pathway has been designed in collaboration with the national Volunteering in NHS Scotland programme (Scottish Health Council) which supports health boards in their own deployment of volunteers. With its focus on third sector volunteering in NHS settings, Clear Pathway complements the existing national programme. The project is funded by the Scottish Government’s Directorate of Population Health Improvement for one year.
We are keen to engage widely with both NHS and third sector colleagues. To register your interest, contact Lesley Munro, Project Manager: lesley.munro@vhscotland.org.uk or 0131 474 6154.
Short term: NHS Boards, staff and third sector partners will be supported to engage, collaborate and exchange knowledge and learning about both benefits and risks of deploying third sector volunteers in NHS settings. NHS and third sector partners will be better able to work co-productively to manage risks.
Medium term: NHS Boards and third sector partners will have access to guidance supporting them to introduce consistent measures to better enable volunteers to contribute to safe, effective and person centred care.
Longer term: the effectiveness of the volunteer contribution to the delivery of health outcomes will be enhanced.
Facilitate engagement events in selected health board areas, supporting NHS and third sector participants to identify their current levels of engagement around volunteering, as well as gaps and opportunities for improving partnership working around volunteering. The Engagement Matrix tool will be promoted in local facilitation as appropriate.
Conduct an electronic survey of third sector organisations to capture information about the nature and extent of third sector volunteering in NHS settings, including challenges, current practice and opportunities.
Scope and draft guidance, taking cognisance of existing legislation and guidance.
Contact: Lesley Munro, Project Manager: lesley.munro@vhscotland.org.uk or 0131 474 6154.