Volunteering Team HC&GKS Boundaries Training

By learning.team | Updated: Aug. 26, 2025, 1:15 p.m.

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Volunteer Boundaries Training
At Sue Ryder
Welcome to the Boundaries Training for Volunteers. Boundaries are the limits we set around our relationships—both personal and organisational. But why are they so important?
They protect both volunteers and the people they support, including patients, their loved ones, and Grief Kind Space (GKS) attendees. Boundaries help create a safe environment where relationships can thrive. They manage everyone's expectations and avoid confusion or dependency, especially for those who may be vulnerable.
Recognising Boundaries in Practice

As a volunteer, you may be eager to help wherever you can. After all, your passion and skills are invaluable! But it’s crucial to recognise the activities that should only be handled by staff members, to keep everyone safe. 
Manual Handling
Volunteers are not trained in manual handling of people or providing personal care. Attempting this could put both you and the person you’re supporting at risk. Always leave these activities to staff members who are trained to do so.
Personal Connections and Influence
Volunteers should not provide support to anyone they know outside of Sue Ryder. It’s also important to be mindful of how much you share about your personal views, beliefs, or values. While topics like religion, politics, or personal beliefs may come up, your role is to support, not to influence.
Why don't we talk about your political views?
I don't think that would be a good idea...
Financial Matters
Money can complicate relationships. As a volunteer, you should never lend or borrow money, or agree to act as a trustee, beneficiary, or executor in a will. Avoid all financial transactions with the person you’re supporting or their family.
Financial Matters
Exchanging small tokens of appreciation can bring joy. Volunteers can accept gifts as long as they are not of significant monetary value—under £10 is a good rule. There’s no expectation for you to give gifts, but you could share a token of shared interest. If you ever receive or send such a token, you must tell your line manager or Volunteer Coordinator about it.
Alcohol and Drugs
It’s important to maintain clarity and safety during your volunteer role. Avoid consuming alcohol before or during a visit, phone or video call, or attending a GKS space even if the person you’re supporting is drinking.  Volunteers must not carry out their role under the influence of non-prescribed drugs. Strong prescribed drugs can also be dangerous and impair judgement. If you have any doubts about your ability to perform your role due to medication, contact your Team Lead or Coordinator.
Volunteers must never condone or engage in illegal, unsafe, discriminatory, or oppressive behaviour. If you have concerns about any activities that might compromise you or the patients or GKS attendees you support, reach out to your Team Lead or Coordinator immediately.
Us at [Company] value each and every person, regardless of their age, race or gender.
Illegal Behaviour
Socialising
Sometimes, volunteers and those we care for form a connection they'd like to explore further outside of their role as a volunteer—perhaps through shared hobbies or interests. While this might seem natural, it can overstep a professional boundary  and make it unclear where your role as a Sue Ryder volunteer begins and ends. If you have a hobby or interest that you think other patients, their loved ones, or a GKS attendee might like to share, please let us know and we can consider options such as group activities.
Unofficial Contact

It’s important to respect everyone’s personal time, including your own. Contact with those we care for and support should always be through official channels as part of your role. Volunteers should not contact anyone we care for or support, or their loved ones, unless it has been agreed upon with their line manager or Volunteer Coordinator.
Favours and Errands
Building relationships may lead to requests for errands or chores. While well-intentioned, it’s not appropriate if these tasks fall outside your role. It could create expectations that others cannot meet. If someone you are supporting needs additional help with daily tasks, our staff teams can help arrange this or signpost to other services. If you find that additional support is needed, please report it to an appropriate member of staff.
Please can you get me some milk from the shop?
I'm so sorry, I can't, but I can get some of our staff to help signpost you to someone who can!
Friends and Family & Ending Relationships
Maintaining professional boundaries with people we support or their loved ones is equally important. Relationships may change, especially after their loved one’s passing. Some may wish to step away from the service, while others might become supporters or volunteers. Volunteers can build very meaningful and supportive relationships with family members and friends of the people we care for, but it’s important to end that relationship in a timely and appropriate way that avoids dependency. If you are having any difficulties making this transition, please speak to your line manager straight away.
Friends and Family & Ending Relationships
It’s natural to feel a connection with patients, their families, or grief kind space attendees but relationships must come to an end when your role concludes or when someone leaves our care. This helps those who we have supported move on to the next phase of their lives.
Sharing of Information
For hospice based volunteers, patient information should only be shared on a need-to-know basis. While patients may choose to share personal details with you, staff can only share what they have explicit consent to disclose. Stay curious but always respect the boundaries of your role and the privacy of the people we care for, as well as your colleagues. Don’t press patients or their loved ones for information about their condition or personal life, and please take care not to discuss the people we care for outside of your role as a volunteer.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment as a volunteer. By respecting boundaries, you’re helping create a safe, supportive, and positive experience for everyone involved. Remember, when in doubt, always reach out to your Team Lead or Coordinator for guidance!

Volunteering Team HC&GKS Boundaries Training

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