Job Overview
Exciting volunteering opportunities have arisen within South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust for Community First Responders to join Community First Responder schemes across Dorset. This is a unique opportunity for international candidates seeking to relocate to the United Kingdom, as the employer offers Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible applicants. We welcome applicants from across Dorset, but are specifically interested in expanding groups in the general areas of Swanage, Cranborne, Beaminster, Lyme Regis and Bridport.
About the Role
As a Community First Responder (CFR), you will be part of a group of trained volunteers who within the community in which they live or work attend emergency calls on behalf of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to provide patient care, including basic life support, until the arrival of an emergency ambulance. This voluntary role offers flexible working opportunities with part-time hours and home or remote working options.
International Applicants Welcome
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust welcomes applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Applications from international candidates will be considered alongside all other applications. This represents an excellent opportunity for those seeking to relocate to the United Kingdom with proper visa sponsorship.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
As a volunteer and member of a Community First Responder Scheme, you would provide this community-based service willingly and without pay. This role is highly rewarding and offers opportunities to meet new people and learn valuable lifesaving skills through the training provided by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. You will be responding to emergency calls in your local community, providing immediate care until professional ambulance crews arrive.
Essential Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants must have a good all-round education and a full driving license held for at least one year, with no more than 6 current penalty points. You must have access to a vehicle with current tax, MOT and insurance for your use. Previous experience (paid or unpaid relevant to the role) is considered essential, and commitment to volunteering for a minimum of 12 hours a week is required.
Training and Development
Following shortlisting, applicants will be invited to attend a formal interview whereby they will be expected to have some knowledge of the role and South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust. Candidates will be required to attain the Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene during training in order to complete the recruitment process. Comprehensive training will be provided to ensure you are fully prepared for this vital role.
Interview and Training Schedule
Interviews will take place the week commencing 20th October 2025. The five-day training course is scheduled to be held at St Leonards Ambulance Training College with Weekend 1 on 22nd/23rd November and Weekend 2 on 5th/6th and 7th December. Applicants must be able to attend these dates to be considered for the role.
About South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
At South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), we have a culture where everyone is valued for being themselves. Our aim is to work together to promote the most inclusive environment possible, which attracts people from the widest range of backgrounds and experiences. We employ over 5,000 employees mainly clinical, operational and emergency response staff as well as supporting roles.
Location Requirements
Please be aware, if there is not currently a Community First Responder scheme running within a 3 mile radius of your home postcode you may not be short listed. Should you wish to respond from your work place as well as or instead of your home address, please detail this in the additional information section of your application.
Community Responder Vehicle Option
We also have a Community Responder Vehicle, currently based in the Bournemouth area, for anyone preferring to volunteer for pre-agreed periods, covering calls across all Dorset. This option provides flexibility for those who may not have access to their own vehicle or prefer to use Trust-provided equipment.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. International applicants should be aware of these requirements.
Visa and Immigration Information
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the NHS Jobs website. The closing date for applications is 01 October 2025. Reference number for this position is 202-4640304-A3. The position was posted on 22 August 2025.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Nick Chown (HR Services Officer) at [email protected]. If you are currently an ECA for SWASFT or are in the ECA Holding Pool, please do not apply via this advert but contact Jacob Maddams directly.
Additional Information
More information about the Community First Responder role is available on our website at https://www.swast.nhs.uk/welcome/community-first-responders/community-first-responders and through our informational video at https://vimeo.com/850656312/b68f4798d1?share=copy.
Employer Details
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is located in Dorset with postcode BH21 1AS. The employer’s website is https://www.swast.nhs.uk. The Trust holds several accreditations including Armed Forces Covenant, Disability Confident Leader, and Positive about disability.
Working Pattern and Contract Type
This is a voluntary position with part-time working hours and home or remote working options. The pay scheme is classified as “Other” with compensation listed as “Depending on experience – Unpaid” as this is a voluntary role.
Supporting Documents
The role description document “CFR Role Description 2022.pdf (PDF, 240 KB)” is available for download through the application portal. Applicants are encouraged to review this document before applying.
Privacy Notice
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice can be accessed at https://www.swast.nhs.uk/assets/1/privacy_notice-employees.pdf. All applicants should review this notice before submitting their application.
Equal Opportunities Employer
We take all the steps needed to provide the most compassionate patient care possible whilst also providing an enjoyable and safe place to work. We actively promote a positive set of behaviours as being key to our performance both individually and collectively.
Why This Role is Ideal for International Applicants
This position offers international applicants the unique opportunity to gain valuable UK healthcare experience while contributing to community safety. The Certificate of Sponsorship option makes this an accessible pathway for those seeking to build a career in the UK healthcare system. The flexible working arrangements also provide excellent work-life balance while adapting to life in the United Kingdom.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the NHS Jobs website before the closing date of 01 October 2025. Ensure all required documentation is prepared, including proof of driving qualifications and any relevant experience information. International applicants should be prepared to provide additional documentation related to visa and sponsorship requirements.
