Role Description
About the Role
Volunteer Digital Champions play an important role in helping patients become more confident using digital healthcare services, particularly the NHS App.
Working alongside Derbyshire Dales Primary Care Network (DDPCN) staff, practice teams and other volunteers, Digital Champions provide friendly, patient support to people attending NHS App events. They help create a welcoming environment and encourage patients to make the most of the digital services available to them.
No formal technical qualifications are needed. We’re looking for people who enjoy helping others, have good communication skills and are comfortable using everyday digital technology.
Main Responsibilities
As a Volunteer Digital Champion you may:
- Welcome patients attending NHS App support events.Help patients feel relaxed and confident.Assist patients with downloading and setting up the NHS App.Support patients to access features such as:
- Ordering repeat prescriptions
- Viewing test results
- Managing appointments
- Accessing health records (where available)
- Managing proxy access where appropriate
- Explain the benefits of using the NHS App in simple, easy-to-understand language.
- Encourage patients to become more confident using digital healthcare services.
- Work alongside PCN staff, practice staff and other volunteers.
- Escalate any clinical, technical or safeguarding concerns to a member of the PCN or practice team.
- Respect patient confidentiality at all times.
What You Won’t Be Expected To Do
Volunteer Digital Champions are not expected to:
- Give clinical or medical advice.
- Access patient records unless specifically authorised and supervised.
- Handle safeguarding concerns independently.
- Troubleshoot complex IT problems.
- Make decisions on behalf of patients.
- Deal with complaints or confidential clinical queries.
Support will always be available from members of the PCN or practice team.
Skills and Qualities
We’re looking for volunteers who are:
- Friendly and approachable.
- Patient and understanding.
- Good listeners.
- Confident using smartphones or tablets.
- Comfortable learning new digital skills.
- Reliable and dependable.
- Respectful of confidentiality.
- Passionate about helping people.
Previous volunteering or customer service experience is welcomed but not essential.
Time Commitment
This is a flexible volunteer role.
Digital Champions will usually volunteer at community or practice-based NHS App events lasting around 2-3 hours. Volunteers can choose opportunities that fit around their own availability.
There is no minimum number of events, although regular involvement is encouraged.
Training and Support
All volunteers will receive appropriate induction and support before attending events.
This may include:
- Introduction to Derbyshire Dales PCN
- NHS App awareness
- Information Governance
- Confidentiality
- Safeguarding awareness
- Event procedures
- Ongoing support from the Digital Transformation Team
Location
Volunteering opportunities may take place across Derbyshire Dales, including GP practices and community venues.
Reasonable travel expenses may be reimbursed in line with PCN policy.
Responsible To
Digital & Transformation Team
Derbyshire Dales Primary Care Network
Benefits of Volunteering
As a Volunteer Digital Champion you will:
- Help improve access to healthcare for local people.
- Make a real difference within your community.
- Gain experience supporting patients.
- Develop communication and digital skills.
- Meet new people and become part of a friendly volunteer team.
- Receive training and ongoing support.
- Be recognised for your contribution to improving digital inclusion across Derbyshire Dales.
Our Commitment
Derbyshire Dales Primary Care Network is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will provide reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support volunteers in their role.
What Happens Next?
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Community Digital Champion.
Getting involved is simple:
1. Complete the Application Form
Please complete our short online application form.
2. We’ll Review Your Application
A member of the Derbyshire Dales PCN Digital Team will review your application and contact you within 10 working days.
3. Informal Chat
We’ll arrange a friendly, informal conversation to tell you more about the role, answer any questions and find out a little more about you.
4. References and Pre-Volunteering Checks
If you’re successful, we’ll ask for references and complete any necessary checks, such as a DBS check where appropriate.
5. Training and Induction
Before your first event, you’ll receive an introduction to the role, including training on the NHS App, Information Governance, confidentiality, safeguarding and supporting patients.
6. Welcome to the Team!
Once everything is complete, you’ll join our Community Digital Champion team and can start volunteering at NHS App events and other digital inclusion activities across Derbyshire Dales.
Questions?
If you’d like to find out more before applying, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Email: ddicb.ddpcn@nhs.net
We look forward to welcoming you to the team!