Keeping Up with Champions: Nicola’s journey from first yes to Volunteer to Career success

Nicola who is the deputy director, Kensington & Chelsea was the very first senior leader to take a chance on volunteer to career (VtC) programme.

Back in 2022, she said yes to co-producing the very first role - the St Charles mental health ward volunteer and since then 46 volunteers have stepped into that role, making it one of the biggest and boldest in VtC so far and 35 of those volunteers have since moved into employment within the NHS. Three years on, we caught up with Nicola to hear the story from her side.

Going back three years… what made you say yes to co-producing the very first VtC role at St Charles?

“I remember feeling excited straight away. Volunteering has always mattered in the NHS, but this was different as it wasn’t just about people giving their time, it was about creating a proper pathway into healthcare careers. At St Charles, we knew how much value volunteers could add for patients on the wards and the idea that we could at the same time help people build skills and confidence for their future felt like a win-win. It felt bold, but it felt right.”

46 volunteers later… what difference have you seen them make on the wards - for patients and for staff?

“The difference has been huge. Patients notice when someone sits with them, listens, or just brightens up their day and our volunteers have been wonderful at doing that. Staff too have told me how much they appreciate having volunteers around; they bring fresh energy, fresh perspectives and a lot of kindness.

From the very beginning, I worked closely with staff; matrons, ward managers and the wider MDT to make sure everyone felt confident about welcoming volunteers onto the wards. We agreed clear boundaries, induction and support, so it felt safe for patients and helpful for staff, rather than adding pressure. Because of that groundwork, staff really embraced the idea and now they’ll often tell me how much difference it makes. Volunteers give staff a little more space to focus on clinical work, while patients enjoy those warm conversations that mean so much. Watching that dynamic grow has been one of the most rewarding parts for me.

Some volunteers have gone on to join us as CNWL colleagues at St Charles, and it’s such a joy to see them again in a different role. It’s proof that VtC works both ways; benefiting our services now and building the workforce of the future.”

and finally, since it’s VtC’s 3rd birthday; if you could make a wish for the next three years, what would it be?

“My wish would be for every service across CNWL to experience what we’ve had at St Charles. I’d love to see even more roles created, so more volunteers can find their feet, build their confidence and move into NHS careers. And for patients, I’d love the impact of volunteers to keep growing, because the difference they make in connection is just extraordinary. VtC has shown us what’s possible and my wish is that the next three years take it even further.”

Nicola’s ‘yes’ is a reminder that it only takes one green light to start something magical. From that first co-produced role at St Charles to 46 volunteers (and counting), her support helped shape the future of VtC; opening doors for volunteers, patients, staff and services alike.