COVID-19 Volunteering
We understand many students may be approached or wanting to get involved to support the NHS in these difficult times. We thank students for their dedication towards this and BLSA remain committed to supporting our Trusts, the NHS and our community as best we can.
We also want to remind you that it is very important that all students ensure they have the full required training and clearances before working in any NHS role - you should check this with the work organiser. This is for the safety of yourselves and of patients as we must ensure everyone who works in the NHS is fully trained, cleared to do so and properly insured. The protections you get as a clinical student on placement do not automatically allow you to work as an employee, HCA or otherwise, within a Trust without certain additional clearances being undertaken.
You should also ensure you are not at an increased risk should you contract Covid and should highlight any concerns or potential risks you may have to any employer so they can risk-assess you.
QMUL are also offering heavily discounted rates for housing in Mile End for those who need a place to stay whilst working or volunteering. Find out more below.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE NHS:
THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE OR ARE VOLUNTEERING and those who have OR ARE registerING an interest.
BLSA and its students are dedicated in our efforts to continue supporting the NHS in this time of need. Although we are no longer actively recruiting or supporting the recruitment of students, we are helping advertise different opportunities for students to support the NHS at this time.
STUDENTS ARE CURRENTLY ABLE TO:
WORK AS HCAs VIA THEIR PLACEMENT PROVIDERS: students currently attending clinical placements in hospitals can sign up, via the education academy and placement organiser, to work as a Healthcare Assistant. This work should only be done in a students’ spare time, outside of timetabled teaching or placement and should be limited according to the School’s maximal hours requirements outlined below. Education should not be compromised in order to work in these roles.
CONTACT PROVIDERS DIRECTLY: students can get in touch with NHS providers directly or check out some of the opportunities below which BLSA are advertising but for which BLSA are not involved in recruitment. With these opportunities, students contact the provider directly and organise to work for them in a number of roles. However, they must ensure they receive adequate training and have the required right to work and occupational health clearances. This work should only be done in a students’ spare time, outside of timetabled teaching or placement and should be limited according to the School’s maximal hours requirements outlined below. Education should not be compromised in order to work in these roles.
WORK AS VACCINATORS: students can contact vaccine centres directly and train to become and work as vaccinators there. Some vaccine centre contacts and training programmes to work as a vaccinator are outlined and advertised below.
Students must ensure they receive adequate training and have the required right to work and occupational health clearances. This work should only be done in a students’ spare time, outside of timetabled teaching or placement and should be limited according to the School’s maximal hours requirements outlined below. Education should not be compromised in order to work in these roles.
UNIVERSITY MAXIMAL HOURS REQUIREMENTS:
The University have agreed to allow students to work in the above roles as long as this does not negatively impact the education and wellbeing of students. Therefore, the following maximum hours apply for all students when working in the above roles and must be respected by students:
For iBSc Intercalators, Medicine and Dentistry: 12hours per week maximum.
For PA: 12 hrs per week maximum. 3rd year PAs can volunteer as long as they have completed their mandatory hours.
Other students: should contact course leads about any maximum hours limits.
If you are currently on holiday, these hours don't apply but will apply again when you're back in education.
PLEASE LOOK AFTER YOURSELVES AND SEEK HELP AND SUPPORT IF NEEDED: BARTSLONDON.COM/WELFARE
ANY QUESTIONS: email covid19enquiries@bartslondon.com
QMUL are also offering heavily discounted rates for housing in Mile End for those who need a place to stay whilst working or volunteering. Find out more below.
OPPORTUNITIES:
BLSA are no longer actively recruiting or supporting the recruitment of students into roles but we will adveryise any opportunities that have been discussed with us and the Unioversity below.
Please note: these opportunities are not run by the SMD or BLSA. Students should ensure all correct processes are followed including training, occupational health clearances and right to work checks. The continuation of education for students is a priority and taking part in these roles should not negatively impact this. Remember all students must follow the Univerity’s Maximal Hours Requirements outlined above.
HOUSING SUPPORT:
QMUL are also offering heavily discounted rates for housing in Mile End for those who need a place to stay whilst working or volunteering. Find out more below.
EXTERNAL VOLUNTEERING ORGANISATIONS:
Guidance and FAQs
If you are a group or organisation looking for student volunteers or other support from our students, please email covid19enquiries@bartslondon.com