Membership

Radio Cherwell has a team of about 60 dedicated unpaid volunteers who give many valuable hours to help provide a service for the patients in Oxford's Hospitals.

Our station is a member of the Hospital Broadcasting Association, a national organisation which oversees the hundreds of hospital radio stations across the country. It is through this that our members are recognised with certificates for their long service and we have a number of members who have been with us for over 30 years.

We have a few Honorary members who have been awarded this position by the committee for their long-term commitment to the station.

Our Associate Members support the station by carrying out essential non broadcasting jobs such as delivering The Listening News to the patients each week.

We are always keen to recruit new volunteers of all ages (16+) who share our commitment to making patients' stay in hospital a little easier. We have voluntary opportunities for people interested in offering, acquiring or developing their skills in the following areas:

• Non broadcasting support role
• Visiting patients in hospital/promoting Hospital Radio services
• Presenting patient-participation programmes
• Operating studio/broadcasting equipment
• Promotion/publicity/fundraising
• Public address/outside broadcasts/representing Radio Cherwell at local events
• IT and engineering

New volunteers are under the supervision and guidance of experienced members during a training period of up to 6 months (depending on volunteer role). Occasionally we are able to welcome short-term voluntary help.

We also provide induction, training in ward visiting, presenting and use of studio equipment. (Broadcast training is subject to commitment).

If you are looking for a fun and rewarding experience, and have the interests of hospital patients at heart, then please read "How to become a Member" below.

How To Become A Member

(Please read these notes before completing the on line application form at the foot of this page)

How to apply

1. We ask all applicants to fill out and return the online application form.
2. The Membership Secretary will invite you to attend a brief, informal interview at our studios. Normally we will be able to let you know if we have a suitable volunteer opportunity for you by the end of the interview.

If accepted you will be asked to:

1. CRB - Fill in a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) form that will be provided. Please refer to the CRB web site for further information: http://www.crb.gov.uk/
2. Health Declaration - The hospital authorities also ask all volunteers to fill in a health declaration form, one will be provided at the interview.
3. Registration Fee - Pay the Prospective Membership registration fee of £30 along with the completed forms. (Please note this is not refundable)

Getting Started

Once we get satisfactory CRB clearance, the Membership Secretary will invite you to the studio for an induction session, and make arrangements for you to work with one or more of our members. However, there may be circumstances where applicants will be allowed to start before CRB clearance is received, but in a supervised capacity with another full member of the station.

Prospective Membership

Prospective Membership is for a 6-month period during which you will have the opportunity to get to know us, meet our listeners and find out all there is to know about hospital radio. Training and support will be given to enable you to complete one or more key assignments that will involve time spent on the hospital wards.

Full Membership

Full membership will be offered to all Prospective Members who satisfactorily complete their assignment(s) within 6 months. As a full member you will have the opportunity to develop your own programmes, vote at meetings and stand on the committee. You decide on the level of commitment you are able to make.

How much of my time do I need to commit?

As a Prospective Member we suggest a minimum average commitment of 5-6 hours a week, which will normally involve evenings or weekends. Once full membership is attained the level of commitment is down to you.

If you require any more information please contact:
Membership Secretary,
Radio Cherwell, Churchill Hospital,
Old Road, Headington, Oxford. OX3 7LJ

Tel: 01865 225522
E-mail: membership@radiocherwell.com