Critical Friends Network

CFN volunteers strengthen and improve ambulance services for the people of Yorkshire.

CFN volunteers have experience of the ambulance service and offer their support, opinions, and ideas to influence service developments and improvements.

As a Critical Friend, you’ll share your views and experiences to help shape services at Yorkshire Ambulance Service. You’ll take part in projects, meetings, and events – making sure the voices of patients and the public help make our services better for everyone.

Time
commitment

Flexible hours – you choose how much time you commit.

Training for
the role

An induction to the Trust and online training.

What you'll need

Be willing to share your views and work respectfully with others.

Coverage
area

Minimal travel is involved. Meetings are held at our Wakefield HQ or online.

Why we feel volunteering is important

Talking about the impact of the role

"Our Critical Friend volunteers help shape how we work by sharing honest insight from real experiences. If you want your voice to improve patient care and influence positive change, this is a powerful way to get involved."

Amy Ingham, Volunteer Development Manager

Vital Role of the Critical Friends Network

"Our Critical Friends Network plays a vital role in supporting the wider Yorkshire Ambulance Service community. They’re a small team – one we’re keen to grow – and they bring direct feedback from patient experiences and from our processes. That insight is invaluable in shaping our service for the future."

Kathryn Broadbent, Head of Events, Commercial Services and Community Resilience

Benefits of volunteering

"There are so many benefits to volunteering: staying active, learning new skills, gaining new experiences. Volunteers take that knowledge back into their communities, spreading those benefits even further.

There are benefits for our organisation too. Our volunteers are brilliant advocates who represent Yorkshire Ambulance Service within their communities. And having people who can review our plans and processes helps us make positive, meaningful changes for the good of our patients."

Amy Ingham, Volunteer Development Manager

Get involved in making positive changes

"Having people with the role of reviewing our plans and processes really helps us to make positive changes for the greater good of our patients."

Jason Carylon, Community Engagement Manager

Mental health support

"I began volunteering to help improve mental health support. Now, all Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff have mental health training, and specialist paramedics and mental health vehicles have been introduced.

To know that someone else's journey is going to be better as a result of some things I've spoken about really keeps me going."

Debs Teale, Critical Friend

Your questions answered

How much time commitment is needed?

This role is completely flexible with no minimum hours required. We ask volunteers to aim to attend 4 CFN meetings per year, which are held every other month and last about 2 and a half hours.

Do I need a particular kind of transport?

No, this role can be done remotely if you would prefer.

Do I need any prior knowledge or experience?

No, just your opinions and feedback are needed. It's helpful (although not essential) to have experience of using the ambulance service or of someone close to you using the ambulance service.

Does this role involve seeing unwell patients?

No, this is a non-patient-facing role. You may choose to be involved in projects where you hear about unwell patients, but you'll be advised in advance. If there's something you don't want to be part of, you don't have to participate.

Are there any age, ability, or health requirements for volunteering?

There are no health or ability requirements for becoming a CFN volunteer. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. The minimum age is 18 years.

Can I stop volunteering if my circumstances change?

Absolutely. If things change, there’s no obligation to continue. Also, if you feel your current role is no longer suitable for you, we’ll support you to switch roles or take a break. Whatever you need.

Ready to start?

Joining our team of almost 1,000 volunteers is easy. Select Apply now to view our volunteer vacancies.

Do you have a question? Email: yas.cfn@nhs.net