To find out more about become a member, click here for our dedicated membership site or see below for more information.
Thank you for showing interest in The Pulse!
**News Update**
Our next open evening will take place in January 2021 - date t.b.c.
To reserve your place, please email secretary@westhertsradio.com
Would you like to be part of an amazing charity serving the patients and staff of West Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust and the wider community? Are you reliable, hard-working, enthusiastic and willing to be part of a brilliant team? If so, we would love to hear from you!
To get things going, we have created a comprehensive ‘Q&A’ below which includes information about the radio station, the type of volunteering/training we can offer and how the application works. If you know already, you can go straight to the application form by clicking here.
Can anyone apply to volunteer?
Not quite! We are based in the hospital grounds and adhere to the NHS Trust’s volunteer recruitment process. So, you must be a minimum of 18 years old, have the right to live and work in the UK, be of good character with no criminal convictions and live within a reasonable distance of the hospital. Most importantly, the service we offer is vital to the patients and staff at the hospital.
What type of volunteering opportunities are there?
Lots! You could take presenter training, assist with marketing/PR, run events or repair things that have wires and plugs! You might even like to join the board of Trustees who are responsible for the governance/running of the charity. It can be hugely rewarding! Perhaps you have other skills that you think would contribute to the purpose of our charity. No problem! We would love to hear about what you can offer.
Is there anything that all volunteers are required to do?
Yes! As an independent charity, we are entirely responsible for raising our own funds. We ask that all volunteers help fundraise – whether helping at an event, undertaking a sponsored walk, speaking to local businesses or filling out a bid application. It’s only by us all doing our bit that we can keep providing the service we do.
An essential part of what we do is visiting patients on the wards. We talk with them, help them access the station and take their music requests. The patients enjoy our visits and, hopefully, we make their stay a little more comfortable. All volunteers are required to make patient visits at least once a month and often this is done in teams.
Can I have my own radio show?
Quite possibly! Initially, we would ask you to record a quick demo in one of our studios, perhaps introducing a song or saying a few words. We would also ask you to tell us more about the type of show you would like to be involved in and whether you would prefer to host or co-host. We would discuss your ideas with you to ensure that they meet our broadcasting criteria and audience suitability.
Once approved, you would be allocated a trainer. One-to-one training normally takes place weekly over about 3 months. At the end of the training, you will receive a short test and, all being well, you will be good to go!
Having your own radio show is a very special experience and you can have listeners throughout the world as well as within the hospital. Remember: you never know who might be listening...
How does the application process work?
We try to make it as simple as possible but are bound by the requirements of the NHS Trust. Your application is effectively a two-part process.
In order to apply for membership, you are welcome to visit the radio station on one of our open evenings and complete a simple application form. You can also do it in reverse should you prefer! On acceptance of your application, we will ask you to pay the appropriate subscription which includes a non-refundable £10 joining fee.
At this point, you will then need to complete a further application form for the NHS Trust which will include making an appointment to meet with volunteer services. They are responsible for undertaking a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check and once complete sorting out things like car parking vouchers, passes etc.
We aim to have the whole process wrapped up within 3 months and it’s worth noting that this process broadly will be similar throughout any UK hospital. In the unlikely event that your application is rejected by the NHS Trust, you will be refunded your subscription and joining fee in full.
What sort of commitment is required?
We are all volunteers and enjoy what we do. However, we also have a commitment to provide a contracted service to the hospital and its patients. We ask that you commit to a minimum of 3 hours volunteering per week and consider it comparable as to any other employment. Your social calendar should be arranged around your commitment to PHR and not the other way around!
What experience do I need?
None! We will provide you with all the training you need for whichever role you choose to volunteer for!
Hang On! I have more questions!
No problem! Fire them over the secretary@westhertsradio.com
If you are ready to go, click here to apply online!