Katharine House Volunteer Agreement

Thank you for making a difference by providing your time, energy and skills to support our hospice. Volunteers are vital to our on-going success and delivery of excellent services to our local community.  

The volunteering relationship is based on mutual respect and trust and does not include any obligation associated with employment. This document outlines what we can expect from each other to provide a mutually beneficial experience.

As a volunteer at Katharine House Hospice (KHH), we please ask that you agree to:

• Represent KHH and our commitment to delivering excellent services to our community, advocating our intent to make every moment matter for our patients and their loved ones.
• Perform your volunteer role in line with your role profile reliably and to the best of your ability.
• Always be friendly and courteous.
• Treat other volunteers, KHH staff and everyone else you meet through your role fairly, with dignity and respect.
• Turn up for your agreed volunteering time. If you are late, unable to attend or are unable to stay for the time proposed please let your supervisor know asap.
• Be accountable for your actions and follow the relevant guidance, policies and procedures which will be made available to you as appropriate.
• Complete any mandatory training and induction relevant to your role.
• Dress in a manner appropriate to the role. Essentially, clothing should be clean, presentable and professional. It should also be practical and comfortable.
• Communicate with your supervisor in the first instance if you require support or guidance or have any problems or concerns. We would like to work together to find a solution.
• Let your supervisor know if there are any changes in your health or personal circumstances which may affect your volunteering so that we can support your situation and keep you safe.
• Give us as much notice as possible if you wish to cease volunteering with us.
• Get the most out of volunteering with us, enjoy it and have fun!

Katharine House Hospice agrees to:

• Provide a profile for your volunteer role to clarify what your role involves and manage expectation.
• Provide you with a named supervisor to support you.
• Provide an induction and any training relevant to your volunteer role.
• Encourage open and transparent communication and be a) receptive to your feedback and ideas and b) listen to and act on any concerns.
• Keep you informed of new volunteering opportunities.
• Provide a safe, respectful, fair and non-discriminatory volunteering environment, respecting your skills and individual needs.
• Follow latest health and safety.
• Keep you informed about hospice news and particularly any changes to ways of working that may impact your role.
• Ensure you have valid insurance cover for your role.
• Treat you in line with the KHH Equality Policy.
• Enable you to stop volunteering with us without pressure or judgement.

Professional boundaries 

Boundaries refer to the unspoken physical and emotional limits that shape a professional relationship. They dictate our behaviour while at work or volunteering. Having clear boundaries helps everyone understand what they can expect from one another and fosters high standards and consistency.

Examples of boundary crossings can include things like giving patients nicknames, sharing personal information (such as your phone number), accepting gifts, or accepting a patient or service user’s friend request on social media. Confidentiality may only be compromised if there are concerns about illegal activities or potential harm to others.

Those with whom we may need to maintain professional boundaries include donors, colleagues, patients, patients’ families and service users. 

Understanding of fundraising

Whether your role is linked to fundraising or not, it’s vital that everyone supporting Katharine House Hospice understands the role of fundraising and charity shops in our sustainability as a charity. The focus of the Katharine House Hospice charity is generating income to pay the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) to provide our clinical services, today, tomorrow and in the future.

Fundraising is heavily regulated and there are rules and guidelines that need to be followed to ensure compliance. If you are able to support the hospice by getting involved in fundraising, you will be advised to read and follow all guidance documentation provided by the fundraising team (this will vary, depending on the activity).

Volunteer agreement

• I confirm that I have read and understood the requirements of the role/s for which I have applied to volunteer.
• I understand the boundaries and responsibilities associated with the role/s and I know of no reason that I am unable to carry out these duties safely and competently.
• I agree that I am not aware of any health condition or disability that would hinder my ability to effectively perform the duties of the volunteer position I have applied to do. This includes any considerations related to pregnancy or recent childbirth.
• I understand that by signing this agreement I will receive information from the volunteer team unless I request otherwise.
• This agreement is not legally binding and does not imply a contract or any employment relationship. This agreement may be cancelled by either party at any time.

Reviewed: 12.01.2026