Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do

From talking to people about their experiences of health and social care, to writing reports, to updating our social media - volunteers are vital to our work. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for a regular commitment, we've got a volunteering role to suit you. 

Current volunteering opportunities

Take a look at our current volunteering opportunities

  • Advisory Group Member - The Advisory Group Member will provide informed advice and perspective to the Healthwatch North Northamptonshire Officers, ensuring our priorities and workplan are grounded in 
    community needs and effectively address health and social care inequalities within North Northamptonshire. The group will act as a critical sounding board, leveraging members' experience to strengthen Healthwatch's advocacy and research efforts.
  • Enter & View Volunteers - An Enter and View Volunteer listens to people’s experiences of health and care services, including patients in hospitals, those visiting their GP Practice or people living in residential homes to understand what is working well and what can be improved. They achieve this by attending that service and using a combination of interviews, observations and informal chats to gather information which can then be used to influence change to ensure the service meets the needs of the staff it employs and the people that it serves.
  • Community Listener - Are you a great listener who loves helping people find the answers they need? Join our team as a Community Listener Volunteer and play a vital role in helping local people navigate the sometimes-confusing world of health and social care.
  • Volunteer Researcher - You will work with staff to support the research function of Healthwatch North Northamptonshire as we gather people’s views and experiences of using different health and social care services. Depending on your experience this can include planning and implementing research activities, supporting in the production and implementation of surveys, focus groups and other research methods, recording and analysing data, as well as assisting in the production of research reports. 

Advisory Board Co-Chairs

We are looking for experienced strategic leaders: one Lived Experience Co-Chair and one Health and Social Care Experience Co-Chair.

These are pivotal strategic roles focused on governing the organisation and providing the leadership necessary for the Advisory Board to meet its obligations. As a Co-Chair, you will ensure Healthwatch North Northamptonshire remains compliant with its statutory duties, values and objectives. 

Key Responsibilities

The Co-Chairs are jointly responsible for creating the conditions for effective governance and acting as ambassadors for Healthwatch North Northamptonshire. Primary duties include:

  • Strategic Leadership: Developing the vision, strategies, and clear objectives to deliver the organisational purpose.
  • Advisory Board Meetings: Setting the annual cycle of meetings, agreeing on agendas, and facilitating board discussions to ensure active contribution and sound decision-making.
  • Governance & Risk: Ensuring appropriate policies are in place to safeguard staff and volunteers, while overseeing financial stability and risk management frameworks.
  • Relationship Building: Establishing close relationships with Advisory Board members and key strategic partners across the local health and social care landscape.

Culture & Values: Promoting a culture of openness, critical thinking, and grounded debate while adhering to the Nolan Principles of Public Life.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a covering letter addressing the person specification to the Service Manager, Claire Neilson, at claire.neilson@healthwatchnn.org.uk.

  • Closing Date: Thursday, 22nd January 2026, by 5:00 pm.
  • Interviews: To be held the week commencing 26th January 2026.
  • Informal Inquiries: Contact Pratima Dattani at 07771 973195 for a confidential discussion about the roles.

The successful applicants will have their appointments ratified at the Advisory Board meeting on 11th February 2026

Information Packs

Get in touch

Talk to us about our volunteering opportunities and we can work with you to find something that suits you. 

Contact us