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.
In the face of a difficult financial position the decision has been taken to discontinue the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders service.
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?
We will accept reference requests from organisations for employment or volunteering on request until 20 June 2025 by contacting [email protected]
Unfortunately we are unable to provide references directly to volunteers.
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?
We are keen for you to continue your volunteering journey and have sent you some further information about how to stay involved.
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: 02 June 2025
