For volunteers
Why is the programme closing?
The NHS and Care Volunteer Responders programme, which was set up in March 2020 to support people during the COVID-19 pandemic has been discontinued. Saturday 31 May was the final day of the programme.
When will volunteering cease?
All live volunteering ceased on 31 May 2025
Will there still be tasks up until 31 May?
Yes there were live tasks that ended on the 31 May.
How is this being communicated to people receiving support?
Everyone who received support from Volunteer Responders was notified via a letter. This letter outlined what happened and places they can find support beyond the Volunteer Responders.
I'm concerned about someone I am supporting, where can I signpost them to for support after Volunteer Responders closes?
They received details of how they can seek further support in their letter telling them about the closure of Volunteer Responders.
Will I be able to get a reference to recognise my time as a Volunteer Responder?
References can be requested to support with training, studies or employment. These can be requested by a volunteer directly or relevant organisations. Please note that in order to provide a reference, we are reliant upon the records and information available to us at the time of the request.
Please go to royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-and-care-volunteer-responders/
What will happen with my data?
We will process your data in line with the retention periods outlined in the Volunteer Privacy Notice. This effectively states that we will retain your data for a period of 6 months following the end of the Scheme (for admin purposes and to deal with any queries), at which point it will be deleted.
Can I continue supporting people after Volunteers Responders closes?
No, you should not continue to support anyone outside of the Volunteers Responders programme.
I'm keen to continue volunteering? How do I go about this?
As a registered NHSCVR volunteer we will have already emailed you about volunteering opportunities with the NHS, RVS and GoodSAM. This includes an option to opt in to hear more from the NHS and RVS.
You can also explore other NHS roles roles by visiting the NHS Volunteering website, view other opportunities with Royal Voluntary Service and with GoodSAM through your continued access to your account on the GoodSAM app.
What do I need to do to stay on the GoodSAM platform to remain on standby for the NHS?
Many of you have asked about the need to retain the GoodSAM app now that NHS and Care Volunteer Responder tasks have ended. To clarify, you can remain on standby to support the NHS in times of future need through staying registered with GoodSAM.
Should I delete the GoodSAM app?
When is the deadline for inputting my expenses?
The final date to submit expenses is 30 June 2025. You can do this via our expenses portal at concur.co.uk/rvs
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Page last reviewed: 27 June 2025
