The Student Room Group

St John Ambulance restrictions?

Hi, I did use the search button and didn't find an answer to my question. I recently emailed St John's Ambulance to do some volunteer work, I've since got a response and they've given me one particular form to sign...

"Declaration of Conflict of Interest


As a member of St. John Ambulance in South and West Yorkshire. I understand that I will not be permitted to undertake activities with other oganisations whose aims and objectives may be similar to those of St. John Ambulance. Areas outside this category are employment with an NHS Trust, Care Home or other similar occupation."

I've got a placement at a mental health residential home just recently and I'm doing a placement at a doctor's surgery this summer and looking into hospital work for the summer too. Will I not be able to do those three if I want to be a member of St John Ambulance?
Help:frown: .

Reply 1

Hi OP, I've been a Saint John first aider for about a year now. I don't ever remember signing a form similar to the one that you described. Quite a few people in our division work in social care and residential homes; and we have a few nurses too. I remember someone saying that you can't work for the Red Cross if you're a Saint John volunteer, so I think what they mean is that you're not allowed to work for other 'paramedic' organizations. I'm sure you will still be able to work for the NHS, maybe contact your division chief to make things clear.

Reply 2

Thanks for your help. I tried a few times through the number she's provided. I'll just email her now instead.
Oh, just re read it, it says 'Areas OUTSIDE this category are employment with an NHS trust.' I'm guessing that means we can work with the NHs, care homes, etc.
Oh and I also got a form about uniform, have you had to get a uniform? Have you got estimations for the cost?

Reply 3

We only wear uniform when on duties, and once every month (also during special SJA events such as award ceremonies...). For the uniform you will need a white SJA shirt with a black tie (has to be a clip-on type), black trousers and black shoes. I already had these, so I only had to buy the SJA Jumper (costed about £20) and wore a normal white shirt underneath. You will need a flourescent SJA jacket when you go on duties, but your division can probably lend you one when you're still starting out.

The more dedicated members wear 'greens' which are apparently more comfy when you go on duties, but you probably won't need to get those until you've done advanced first aid training.

Reply 4

(2Clever*0.5)^2
We only wear uniform when on duties, and once every month (also during special SJA events such as award ceremonies...). For the uniform you will need a white SJA shirt with a black tie (has to be a clip-on type), black trousers and black shoes. I already had these, so I only had to buy the SJA Jumper (costed about £20) and wore a normal white shirt underneath. You will need a flourescent SJA jacket when you go on duties, but your division can probably lend you one when you're still starting out.

The more dedicated members wear 'greens' which are apparently more comfy when you go on duties, but you probably won't need to get those until you've done advanced first aid training.

:]
I rang the woman on her mobile seeing as she wouldn't pick up on the landline number. She said the uniform cost is covered. Even so, £20 doesn't sound too bad. She confirmed for me that you can work voluntarily at residential homes, hospitals and at surgeries.
Thanks for all your help :]

Reply 5

member101
:]
I rang the woman on her mobile seeing as she wouldn't pick up on the landline number. She said the uniform cost is covered. Even so, £20 doesn't sound too bad. She confirmed for me that you can work voluntarily at residential homes, hospitals and at surgeries.
Thanks for all your help :]

Glad that's been cleared up for you :yes: .

Reply 6

member 101 - did you speak to rayne? to sort it out or was it one of the sector admins ?

the declaration of conflict of interest is so SJA knows who is working for other ambulance and first aid organisations - as there are a number of private ambulance services who deliberately set out to poach SJA and red cross members so they don't have to train people

S+W yorkshire is reasonably good on the uniform front, not leading the way but still reasonably good.

wearign greens is not about dedication it's about the risk assessment of the duty.

too much idscussion aobut uniform is really rather ocunter productive given the uniform is all changing soon

the restrictions on volunteering for both SJA and BRC is no longer in place

Reply 7

Hello, as a member i can say that it will mean other first aid organisations
all to stop you getting your qualifications and running off

many of our members are healthcare proffesionals

Reply 8

I'm an ex-St John member (late 80's & early 90's). Apparently, in those days the BAOR British Army of the Rhine had its own unit of St John.
I couldn't remember if they wore Brigade black, or insignia on army uniform? That's how I found this page!