Why volunteer with us?

  • Make a difference in your local community by giving people the opportunity to speak up about their health and social care
  • Make new friends as you become part of the Healthwatch team
  • Boost your CV as you develop new skills and confidence in the workplace
  • Use your skills to contribute to the success of Healthwatch across Bristol.

Director/Trustee Role

Healthwatch Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire is looking to recruit up to 6 new board members, who are resident in Bristol or South Gloucestershire, to join its Board.  We are particularly looking for people with skills and knowledge in Digital/Social Media, IT Systems and HR/Legal, and who are able to represent their local area. We are committed to promoting and enhancing inclusion, diversity and equality. We welcome and encourage all applicants who have these skills, regardless of age, gender identify and gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy, or any other personal circumstances.

Healthwatch was established under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. 

What we need from you:  

You will be carrying out activities around your other commitments and attending meetings at venues within the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area, although currently all meetings take place virtually via Zoom.  

This is an excellent opportunity to play a senior role in a respected local organisation, applying your management skills and experience to make a real difference and to be part of a friendly and passionate group.  

All Healthwatch Director/Trustees should have:  

• a commitment to Healthwatch  

• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship  

• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee  

• strategic vision  

• good, independent judgement  

• an ability to think creatively  

• a willingness to speak their mind and participate fully in meetings  

• a strong interest in engaging the public to have a voice in the quality of health and social care services  

As a guide, we anticipate this voluntary role will take 2-3 hours per week, with attendance at Board meetings which are generally held monthly.  

What’s in it for you?  

Healthwatch volunteers are motivated to help for a range of reasons, but usually they have a strong interest in enabling the public voice to be heard particularly including those in the minority and who are disadvantaged.  

Benefits include:  

  • A great opportunity to use your existing experience and to develop new skills  

  • Working with others to make a difference both locally and nationally  

  • The potential to meet and discuss issues with a wide range of people  

  • Opportunities to be involved with local and national Healthwatch activities, events and workshops 

  • Relevant induction and training  

  • Payment of all out-of-pocket expenses with prior agreement 

Interested? 

If you are interested in this role, please email the Chair, Georgie Bigg on georgie@healthwatchbnssg.co.uk with an expression of your interest.  Georgie will then send you an application form and equality and diversity monitoring form.  For an informal discussion about the role please call Georgie on Tel: 01934 863070. 

Please take a look at the Introduction to Healthwatch Guide
Download (PDF 360KB)
women at a community event

Help people in your community have their say on health and social care

Our volunteers play a vital role speaking to local people about their experiences and giving them opportunities to share their views and ideas for how services can improve. Many of our volunteers spend time in our community finding out what people think of local services and raising awareness of Healthwatch.

Woman in hospital corridor

Help improve local services

We train some of our volunteers to visit health and social care services and report on people's experiences. You might be observing the service, gathering the views of patients, residents and staff, and contributing to reports which highlight your findings.

A volunteer talks at an event

Help raise awareness of Healthwatch

As a volunteer, you could be attending community events to raise awareness of Healthwatch and encourage people to share their feedback on health and social care in our community.

Office volunteer at their desk

Develop your professional skills in an office environment

Volunteering with us is a great way to sharpen your existing skills and develop new ones. A volunteer position can help provide useful experience for your CV as well as giving you an opportunity to learn and improve on your areas of interest such as design and marketing, planning and administration or leading a project.