Our community of volunteers (affectionately known as the Compassion Crew) offer a helping hand, friendly smile, or reassuring comfort to patients and visitors throughout the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service.
This loyal group of inspiring volunteers help us deliver on our mission to advance patient care and life-saving research. Through everyday acts of kindness, the Compassion Crew profoundly uplifts patients when they need it most.
Each of our volunteer roles bring you face-to-face with hospital patients, providing companionship and caring support.
Join our Compassion Crew
Volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Friday during business hours (between 8am-4pm).
Start times vary, however shifts are generally four hours in length. We ask that you commit to your weekly shift for a minimum period of six months.
To learn more about volunteering with us, please read our Conditions of Volunteering and Frequently Asked Questions.
Becoming a Compassion Crew Member
Our volunteer intakes for 2024 are now closed. Recruitment will commence again in mid January 2025, and we invite you to submit an application at this time.
RBWH Foundation is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We recognise the benefits that diversity and inclusion bring to our people, the patients we serve, and to our wider community. In recruiting for Compassion Crew team members, we welcome and celebrate the unique contributions that you will bring, based on your life experience, knowledge, self-expression, talents, and identity.
We warmly welcome and strongly encourage expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people living with a disability or neurological differences, and culturally and linguistically diverse people.
If you require modifications or additional support in order to register your interest, or throughout the application process, please reach out to us at compassioncrew@rbwhfoundation.com.au or phone us on 07 3647 8030.
Conditions of Volunteering with the RBWH Foundation
Volunteers are expected to comprehend and adhere to the policies and procedures of the RBWH Foundation and the facilities we work within. The hospital environment is unique, and we are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of hospital patients, staff, and volunteers. Applicants who are unable to meet the inherent requirements outlined below will not be progressed.
Each RBWH Foundation Volunteer must:
- Be 18 years of age or older (or 16 years with guardian consent).
- Independently complete mandatory training at designated intervals (this is completed online).
- Provide vaccination or immunity evidence for required vaccine preventable diseases.
- Commit to a weekly shift for an initial period of six months, and regular attendance thereafter.
- Independently comprehend emergency procedures and comply with Health and Safety protocols.
- Behave in a way that upholds the values, integrity, and reputation of the RBWH Foundation.
- Contribute to a positive and respectful workplace culture.
- Collaborate effectively with individuals and across teams.
- Possess strong communication abilities.
- Understand and comply with relevant policies and procedures.
- Comprehend and uphold confidentiality.
- Work independently with limited supervision.
The RBWH Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and as such is committed to treating all volunteer applications equally. In compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (1992), the RBWH Foundation assesses all applicants based on their ability to carry out the inherent requirements (essential duties) of the volunteer role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process to become a volunteer?
Step One: Register Your Interest
The first step to join our team is to register your interest.
Before you register you will need:
- Your weekly availability for the next six months (days and times you are free to volunteer).
Step Two: Interview
The Volunteer Manager will offer you upcoming time slots to schedule a phone interview. This interview is an opportunity for us to learn more about your motivations, skills and experience, and importantly to ensure a mutual fit. We will also use this opportunity to talk to you about our current vacancies and, if successful, place you into an available role.
This interview should take approximately 30 minutes.
Step Three: On-boarding
You will be sent a welcome email with information and links to complete:
- Online training (including emergency procedures, policies and procedures and your Volunteer Agreement).
- Criminal History Check.
Step Four: Start Volunteering!
Once you have completed your on-boarding, our Volunteer Manager will coordinate a start date with you. You will receive an on-site orientation and complete role-based training alongside an experienced volunteer or in some roles with hospital staff.
What is the time commitment?
We require volunteers to commit to a weekly shift for at least six months. Our program operates Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4pm. Typically, volunteer shifts last for approximately four hours, and you will be assigned to a predetermined shift time and day.
Can I volunteer if I’m under 18?
Yes! We allow volunteers 16 years and older to volunteer. If you are under 18 you will require guardian consent.
Will I be asked to participate in fundraising activities for RBWH Foundation?
The RBWH Foundation is the charity that supports RBWH, STARS, and other prestigious research Institutes and Centres at the Herston Health Precinct, helping to advance patient care and fund life-saving research. As valued members of our team and vital brand ambassadors, we provide opportunities throughout the year for volunteers to participate in fundraising activities.
How long does the application process take?
We endeavour to process all expressions of interest within three to four weeks; however, this timeline may vary based on our current opportunities. Our volunteers are carefully vetted for suitability to ensure we have the right people providing high-quality volunteer support to patients.
Can I try different volunteer roles?
To assist you in settling into your role and to provide a consistent service experience for patients and staff, you will be assigned to the same role for your first six months as a volunteer. It is important to note that we are unable to accommodate customised weekly schedules.
While we welcome volunteers to explore new roles during their time with us, we do ask for a minimum commitment of six months for each role change. This process is in place to maintain a stable and effective volunteer program in support of patient care.
Do I need a Criminal History Check to volunteer?
Yes, you will need to apply for a Criminal History Check as part of your on-boarding processes. You will be unable to commence in your volunteer role until clearance is received. There is no cost to you for this process.
How do I get to and from my volunteering at the hospital?
Transportation and parking costs are not covered by the RBWH Foundation; however, the Herston Health Precinct is well serviced by public transportation options. Volunteers are encouraged to utilise local public transport or if preferred, to drive to their shift and park onsite. Parking costs vary across nearby carparks.
RBWH Foundation is proud to be an official supporter of the National Strategy for Volunteering.
We are committed to making volunteering the heart of Australian communities by taking action to implement the National Strategy in our organisation.
