Inspection Support Volunteer 2025
RQIA (Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority)
Role Title: Inspection Support Volunteer
Role Location: All areas of Northern Ireland
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Do you want to make a difference and help other people who use health and social care to have their voices heard?
Are you compassionate, caring and kind?
Do you have an interest in the lived experience of those using health and social care services in Northern Ireland?
Are you a great communicator with excellent listening skills?
In this exciting regional initiative, RQIA plan to involve members of the public as Inspection Support Volunteers. This will enhance opportunities to listen to the lived experience of service users, their families and carers as a vital part of the inspection process.
An Inspection Support Volunteer is a member of the public who will bring their own experience and a person-centred, focused approach to our inspections.
Your commitment and our commitment to you
We are seeking Volunteers who would be willing to contribute to our inspections. This will involve preparing for the inspection, gathering information on the day with the inspection team then writing up feedback to share with the team.
We recognise that participating in inspections will be rewarding and, at times, a challenging experience for Inspection Support Volunteers. We are committed to keeping Inspection Support Volunteers appropriately skilled and supported. Through induction, training, supervision and peer support
By taking part in our inspections, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the way health and social care services work and you will be supporting the improvement and quality of these services by listening to the experience of those who use the service, their families and carers. Your observations and reflections will be a vital part of the inspection.
As part of this Volunteering opportunity you will be required to:
- Complete an RQIA Volunteering application form
- Applicants who are shortlisted will be invited to attend an interview to determine suitability
- Successful Interviewees will be required to have a satisfactory Enhanced Access NI check & attend a full one day Induction at RQIA Headquarters
- (RQIA 1st Floor James House, Gasworks, 2 – 4 Cromac Avenue, Belfast, BT7 2JA)
These inspections help highlight areas for Improvement and of good practice, which can then be shared with services across Northern Ireland
If you want to know more, please contact us for an informal discussion at Inspectionsupportvolunteers@rqia.org.uk or by either Telephoning 02895 361111 and pressing 1 for the Guidance Team.
For an application in an alternative format Contact: Inspectionsupportvolunteers@rqia.org.uk
NB: The closing date for applications is: the 29th of October 2025
Tasks and responsibilities
- Engage with people who use services to establish and build relationships
- Commit to attend relevant training courses and supervision
- Support the inspector/team during the inspection
- Talk with services users, their family and or carers about their lived experience
- Observe day to day tasks and staff interactions
- Immediately informing the inspector of any identified concerns during and inspection
- The ability to take notes and accurately record information during the inspection
