Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) has successfully achieved the Investing in Volunteers quality standard - the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management.
Following a comprehensive assessment in September 2026, RCHT was awarded a 'Met' outcome across all six quality areas, recognising the outstanding contribution made by volunteers and the excellent support provided throughout the organisation.
Reverend Dom Whitting, Lead for Chaplaincy and Voluntary Services, said: “Receiving this accreditation is wonderful news. It recognises the amazing work and time our volunteers give across RCHT, going above and beyond to help and support patients, colleagues and visitors. It also recognises the small team in Voluntary Services who are exceptional in supporting our volunteers. Their dedication and personal approach mean our volunteers feel valued and part of RCHT.”
Bernadette George, Acting Chief Nursing Officer, added: “Our volunteers are a fantastic part of the RCHT team. They really embody our values and play a huge part in supporting both patients and colleagues. This recognition is thoroughly deserved, huge congratulations to the team. I am so proud of every single person who has contributed to this. Thank you.”
The assessor met with volunteers and colleagues, reviewed policies, procedures and volunteer experiences, and found volunteering to be firmly embedded within our vision and culture. The report highlighted the enormous impact volunteers make every day across our hospitals, describing volunteers as “part of the heartbeat of the organisation,” recognising the wide range of roles volunteers undertake to improve patient, visitor and colleague experience.
Impacts highlighted in the report included:
- An estimated 27,447 hours of volunteer time during 2025.
- Volunteers serving 22,000 cups of tea to patients receiving chemotherapy.
- Butterfly Companion volunteers supporting 1,479 patients and families.
- Hospital radio volunteers providing 297 hours of broadcasting each week.
The assessor received overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers, who spoke warmly about their experiences, praising the flexibility of opportunities available, the welcoming recruitment process, the inclusive culture, and the support received from the Voluntary Services Team. One of the key strengths identified was the exceptional work of the Voluntary Services Team, with volunteers and colleagues consistently praising the team's dedication, communication and personal approach.
Dom added: “This achievement belongs to every volunteer who gives their time, skills, experience and compassion to support patients, visitors and colleagues across our hospitals.”
Investing in Volunteers (IiV) is the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management.
If you're looking to volunteer, you can apply on the RCHT website.
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