The Scottish Government is disseminating VHS’s Evaluation Report  on the Clear Pathway strategic guidance for NHS Boards on best practice in working with third sector partners to engage volunteers in NHS settings. National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch CBE  wrote to NHS boards in September 2020, drawing the  report to their attention.

In his letter, Jason Leitch says:

“The Scottish Government commissioned VHS to explore good practice and lessons learned since the publication of the Clear Pathway guidance to further support the relationship between health boards and third sector to manage and provide safe volunteering within our health settings. It is encouraging to see that the awareness of the guidance amongst health boards is high. But there is more that can be done and the recommendations in the report highlight specific areas of work to focus on to ensure safe environment for patients and volunteers. I would therefore welcome your support in disseminating the evaluation report and the Clear Pathway Guidance within your organisations and with your third sector partners.”

VHS works actively to promote and support the engagement of volunteers in hospitals and other healthcare settings. With an emphasis on identifying ‘what works well’ the Clear Pathway Project set out to encourage more strategic engagement, collaboration and shared learning between NHS and third sector organisations, building on strengths to  improve the effectiveness of the third sector volunteer contribution and the care and safety of patients. The Clear Pathway guidance, published in April 2018,  provided strategic guidance for NHS Boards concerning the management of volunteers deployed in NHS settings who are not directly recruited, managed or trained by NHS Boards.