• Job Description

  Req#: C9369-25-0581?language=en&page=565&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  About Franklyn Hospital

  Belvedere is an acute assessment and treatment ward for older people with mental health needs- in most cases this is some form of dementia

  Main Purpose

  To complement the range of existing creative therapeutic opportunities for patients by offering opportunities to engage with music, either in a group or 1:1

  To enhance peoples inpatient experience and contribute to their well-being

  You are welcome to arrange an informal visit by prior arrangement before submitting an application

  Additional information

  You must be 18 or over

  Days/times are negotiable

  To complete all relevant checks before commencing the role including references and DBS

  All volunteers are required to complete the Trusts Induction, mandatory and statutory training and relevant refreshers thereafter, along with any other relevant training that is required for the role

  An opportunity to participate in CPD & Career development activities where appropriate

  A range of well-being offers and NHs discounts available

  To adhere to the data protection and confidentiality agreement

  Reimbursement of travel expenses (subject to our policy)

  Main duties of the job

  Key tasks

  Prior to each session, to discuss with the ward team which patients may be appropriate for therapeutic engagement on the day, and any risks etc

  To create a welcoming, open space in which participants feel safe and confident to get involved, but without pressure to participate

  To assist in preparing a suitable physical environment for therapy to take place

  To offer feedback to staff following sessions

  What we are looking for

  You will be volunteering on a ward alongside staff to support them with improving the patient experience through engagement with music

  You will need good interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in people. Some patients may have difficulty communicating verbally or may be non-verbal; some may be distressed

  Having a flexible approach, being non-judgmental, patient and compassionate are key qualities as you will be working with people who may be acutely unwell

  The pressures on the wards mean that staff are very busy; therefore, you may need to be proactive and assertive in seeking support and direction from staff

  Confidentiality is essential and we ask volunteers to be part of the team and be discreet and reliable

  It is important for volunteers to know their boundaries and seek further information and support from ward staff if required

  About us

  About Devon Partnership Trust

  We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally.

  The Trust recognises the important role volunteers play in complementing the work of our staff and we welcome the varied and unique contributions volunteers make to patients, carers, the public, and staff at the Trust.

  We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

  We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

  Our values

  We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

  We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010.

  Details

  Date posted

  25 July 2025

  Pay scheme

  Other

  Salary

  Depending on experience

  Contract

  Voluntary

  Duration

  1 days

  Working pattern

  Flexible working

  Reference number

  C9369-25-0581

  Job locations

  Franklyn hospital

  Franklyn Drive

  Exeter

  Devon

  EX2 9HS

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  Key tasks

  Prior to each session, to discuss with the ward team which patients may be appropriate for therapeutic engagement on the day, and any risks etc

  To create a welcoming, open space in which participants feel safe and confident to get involved, but without pressure to participate

  To assist in preparing a suitable physical environment for therapy to take place

  To offer feedback to staff following sessions

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  Key tasks

  Prior to each session, to discuss with the ward team which patients may be appropriate for therapeutic engagement on the day, and any risks etc

  To create a welcoming, open space in which participants feel safe and confident to get involved, but without pressure to participate

  To assist in preparing a suitable physical environment for therapy to take place

  To offer feedback to staff following sessions

  Person Specification

  Experience

  Essential

  • Skills & Qualities
  • Excellent communication skills engaging with patients and staff in a friendly, respectful manner.
  • Empathy and compassion understanding the emotional needs of patients.
  • Reliability and time management being punctual and consistent with visits.
  • Discretion and confidentiality respecting patient privacy.
  • Confidence in musical ability playing an instrument or singing in a way that is engaging and soothing.
  • Experience
  • No formal qualifications required.
  • Must be comfortable performing in front of small groups (e.g., on a ward).

  Desirable

  • Experience playing music in community or care settings is helpful.
  • Must be comfortable performing in front of small groups (e.g., on a ward).

  Person Specification

  Experience

  Essential

  • Skills & Qualities
  • Excellent communication skills engaging with patients and staff in a friendly, respectful manner.
  • Empathy and compassion understanding the emotional needs of patients.
  • Reliability and time management being punctual and consistent with visits.
  • Discretion and confidentiality respecting patient privacy.
  • Confidence in musical ability playing an instrument or singing in a way that is engaging and soothing.
  • Experience
  • No formal qualifications required.
  • Must be comfortable performing in front of small groups (e.g., on a ward).

  Desirable

  • Experience playing music in community or care settings is helpful.
  • Must be comfortable performing in front of small groups (e.g., on a ward).

  Disclosure and Barring Service Check

  This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Devon Partnership NHS Trust

  Address

  Franklyn hospital

  Franklyn Drive

  Exeter

  Devon

  EX2 9HS

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Devon Partnership NHS Trust

  Address

  Franklyn hospital

  Franklyn Drive

  Exeter

  Devon

  EX2 9HS

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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