End of Life & Chaplaincy Volunteer Interview Questions & Answers

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About this NHS interview question bank

To prepare for an end of life or chaplaincy volunteer interview, expect a gentle conversation about why you want to sit with people at the end of life, how you are with silence and sadness, what you must never do, when you would fetch a nurse, how you respect every faith and none, and how you look after yourself. You do not need a healthcare background. Think about a few honest moments from your own life, read a little about your hospital's chaplaincy and volunteer service, and be ready to show that you are calm, reliable and know when to ask for help.

This bank contains 40 original practice questions with warm, first-person model answers written for people applying to unpaid end of life companion roles (including "no one dies alone" style vigil schemes), chaplaincy and spiritual care volunteering, and bereavement support volunteering in NHS hospitals and hospices. Most answers are pitched at people with no healthcare background, with a few aimed at experienced volunteers who mentor others. Every question explains what the panel is really looking for, the points to cover, the mistakes to avoid and the guidance worth reading, so you can walk in feeling prepared and still sound like yourself.

 

What this question bank covers

• Motivation for end of life volunteering
• Your own experience of loss
• Sitting with a dying person
• Comfort without words
• What volunteers must not do
• Recognising changes and calling staff
• Supporting families
• Faith, belief and no belief
• Multi-faith and cultural practices around death
• Not proselytising
• Difficult questions from patients and relatives
• A patient who wishes to die
• Safeguarding adults and children
• Confidentiality and boundaries
• Bereavement support
• On-call reliability
• Teamwork with palliative care and chaplaincy
• Self-care, debrief and supervision

 

40 NHS interview questions with full model answers. The first 8 are free to read below. Unlock the remaining 32 for £2.99 (12 months' access).

These are original practice questions written to reflect how NHS interviews are run. They are not leaked or official questions, and Healthcare Interview Prep is independent of the NHS.

 

 

Free NHS interview questions and model answers

 

 

Question 1: Why do you want to volunteer with people at the end of their lives?

Motivation question  ·  Motivation

 

What the interview panel is assessing

The panel wants a genuine, grounded reason, not a dramatic one. They are gently checking that you understand what the role involves, mostly quiet presence, and that your motivation is about the patient rather than about your own needs or a wish to fix things.

 

Model answer

I think it started when my neighbour was dying a few years ago. She'd lived alone for a long time, and in her last week in hospital I visited most afternoons. Some days we chatted, but mostly I just sat with her and held her hand while she dozed. Near the end a nurse said to me quietly, "She settles when you're here." That has stayed with me. I hadn't done anything clever. I'd just been there.

Afterwards I kept thinking about the people who don't have someone to sit with them, either because they have no family, or because their family live far away or simply can't be there through the night. The idea of anyone dying feeling alone or frightened really matters to me, and I know I'm able to be calm and still in a sad room.

I also want to be honest that I understand what this role isn't. I'm not there to nurse anyone, to give advice or to make things better. I'm there to keep someone company, to notice if they seem uncomfortable and fetch the nurse, and to offer a bit of kindness to families who are exhausted.

I've thought about whether I'm ready, and I am. I've got good support at home, I know I'll have training and someone to talk to afterwards, and I can give regular time. It feels like a small thing I can offer that might make a real difference to someone's last hours.

 

Why this answer works

It uses a small, real memory instead of grand statements, which makes it believable. It shows the candidate understands the role is about presence, not fixing or clinical care, and it touches on readiness and support without oversharing.

 

Key points to include

• A real, personal reason told simply
• Understanding that the role is mostly quiet companionship
• Clear awareness of what volunteers do not do
• A sense that you are emotionally ready and have support
• Commitment to giving regular time

 

Common mistakes to avoid

• Saying you want to help people "have a good death" as if you control it
• Describing the role as nursing or counselling
• Sharing a raw, recent loss in a way that suggests you are not ready
• Focusing on what you will get from it rather than the patient

 

NHS values and standards

Compassion; Everyone counts; Respect and dignity

 

Further reading

• NHS Constitution for England
• Ambitions for Palliative and End of Life Care: a national framework for local action
• Your trust's volunteer role description and volunteer policy

 

 

Question 2: Which of the NHS values feels most important to you in this role, and why?

NHS Values question  ·  NHS Values

 

What the interview panel is assessing

The panel is checking that you know the NHS values and can connect one to what an end of life volunteer actually does. They want a short example from life, volunteering or work, not a definition read from a website.

 

Model answer

The NHS values are working together for patients, respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving lives, and everyone counts. For this role, the one that feels closest to my heart is respect and dignity.

When someone is dying, they can lose so much control. People talk over them, the room fills with equipment and they may not be able to speak for themselves any more. I think a volunteer can quietly protect their dignity in small ways: always saying who you are when you arrive even if they seem asleep, talking to them rather than about them, keeping the curtain drawn, and letting a nurse know if they look uncomfortable or exposed.

I saw how much this matters when I volunteered at a care home over a couple of years. One resident was very near the end and could no longer speak. Her daughter told me her mum had always loved the radio, so with the staff's agreement I'd put on quiet classical music and tell her what the weather was doing outside. It was a small thing, but it treated her as the same person she'd always been.

I'd add that everyone counts sits right alongside it for me. The person with no visitors deserves exactly the same care and attention as the person with a big family around the bed. That's really why schemes like this exist.

 

Why this answer works

The answer names all six values accurately, then chooses one and brings it to life with small, practical actions a volunteer can take. Linking it to everyone counts shows a good grasp of why companion schemes exist.

 

Key points to include

• Name the NHS values correctly
• Choose one and explain why it matters at the end of life
• Give small, practical examples a volunteer can actually do
• Keep the patient's identity and wishes at the centre
• Stay within the volunteer role

 

Common mistakes to avoid

• Listing values without any example
• Choosing a value but describing clinical tasks you would not do
• Talking in abstract terms about dignity with nothing concrete
• Forgetting patients who have no one with them

 

NHS values and standards

Respect and dignity; Everyone counts; Compassion

 

Further reading

• NHS Constitution for England
• One Chance to Get It Right: priorities for care of the dying person
• Your trust's values and behaviours framework

 

 

Question 3: Sometimes there is nothing to say. How would you offer comfort without words?

Communication question  ·  Communication

 

What the interview panel is assessing

Many people dread silence. The panel wants to know you can be calm and present without filling the space, and that you can read non-verbal signs of comfort or distress. They are also listening for respect around touch.

 

Model answer

I think silence is often the most important part of this role, and I'm quite comfortable with it. Most of the time the person I'm sitting with may be asleep or not able to talk, so comfort comes from how I am in the room rather than what I say.

When I arrive I'd always say gently who I am, even if they don't seem to respond, because hearing may be one of the last senses to go. Then I'd sit where they can see me if their eyes open, at their level rather than standing over them. I'd keep my voice soft and my movements slow, and put my phone away completely.

Touch can be a real comfort, but I'd never assume. If they can tell me or show me, I'd ask first. If they can't, I'd check with the nurse and with the family if they're around, because for some people, for personal, cultural or faith reasons, being touched by a stranger isn't welcome. If it's okay, simply resting my hand near theirs so they can take it if they want works well.

Other things help too. Keeping the lights low, the room calm, perhaps quiet music they or their family have chosen, or reading aloud if I know they'd like that. I'd also watch closely: a furrowed brow, restlessness or changes in breathing are things I'd let the nurse know about straight away.

And sometimes it's just about not leaving. Knowing someone is there can be enough.

 

Why this answer works

It shows comfort with silence and gives practical, gentle ways to be present. The answer handles touch with care and consent, and it naturally weaves in noticing distress and telling the nurse, which keeps it safe.

 

Key points to include

• Being calm and comfortable with silence
• Introducing yourself even if the person seems unresponsive
• Asking or checking before using touch
• Simple comforts like low light, quiet music or reading
• Noticing signs of discomfort and telling the nurse

 

Common mistakes to avoid

• Feeling you must keep talking
• Touching without considering consent, culture or faith
• Using your phone or appearing distracted
• Treating signs of distress as something to manage yourself

 

NHS values and standards

Compassion; Respect and dignity

 

Further reading

• One Chance to Get It Right: priorities for care of the dying person
• NICE guideline on care of dying adults in the last days of life
• Your trust's end of life companion volunteer training materials

 

 

Question 4: While sitting with a patient, you overhear a relative pressuring them to sign some financial papers. What would you do?

Safeguarding question  ·  Safeguarding

 

What the interview panel is assessing

The panel is checking that you recognise possible financial abuse of an adult at risk and know that your role is to report, not investigate or confront. They want to hear that you would tell the nurse in charge promptly and follow the trust's safeguarding process.

 

Model answer

That would worry me straight away. Someone who is very unwell or near the end of life is vulnerable, and being pushed to sign financial papers could be financial abuse, which is one of the types of abuse covered by the Care Act. It might have an innocent explanation, but it isn't my job to decide that.

In the moment, I wouldn't confront the relative or get into an argument, because that could make things worse for the patient. If the patient looked distressed, I might quietly say I needed to let the nurse know something and leave to find them. I wouldn't try to take the papers or question anyone.

I'd go straight to the nurse in charge and tell them exactly what I'd seen and heard, in plain words, without adding my own opinions. Something like, "I heard the visitor telling Mr X he had to sign this today, and he seemed upset and confused." The nurse can then judge whether the patient has capacity, involve the safeguarding team and follow the trust's process.

I'd also tell my volunteer coordinator or chaplaincy lead, and write down what I saw as soon as possible if that's the local process, with the time and the facts.

I wouldn't promise the patient or the family that I'd keep anything secret, and I wouldn't discuss it with anyone else. Afterwards, if it had shaken me, I'd use my debrief. The main thing is that the patient is protected and the right people know quickly.

 

Why this answer works

The answer recognises financial abuse, stays calm and within the volunteer's role, and escalates promptly to the nurse in charge with factual information. It avoids confrontation or investigation and mentions recording and confidentiality.

 

Key points to include

• Recognise possible financial abuse of an adult at risk
• Do not confront, investigate or take the papers
• Tell the nurse in charge promptly with facts, not opinions
• Inform your volunteer coordinator and follow trust safeguarding policy
• Keep it confidential and never promise secrecy

 

Common mistakes to avoid

• Ignoring it because it seems like family business
• Challenging the relative yourself
• Deciding for yourself whether the patient has capacity
• Gossiping about it with other volunteers

 

NHS values and standards

Compassion; Respect and dignity; Working together for patients

 

Further reading

• Care Act 2014 and statutory guidance on safeguarding adults
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Your trust's adult safeguarding policy
• Safeguarding training for volunteers (your trust's level)

 

 

Question 5: What are the things you must not do as an end of life companion volunteer?

Patient Safety question  ·  Patient Safety

 

What the interview panel is assessing

The panel wants reassurance that you understand the limits of the role and won't step into clinical care, however kind the intention. Knowing what you must not do is one of the most important safety parts of the interview.

 

Model answer

I think knowing the limits is what keeps patients safe and keeps the volunteer role trusted by staff.

The big one is that I wouldn't do any clinical or personal care. That means no moving or repositioning someone, no helping them out of bed, no touching drips, syringe drivers, oxygen or anything attached to them, and no giving medication, even if a relative hands me something. If the patient seemed uncomfortable, in pain or breathless, I'd get the nurse.

I also wouldn't give food or drink unless I'd been trained and the nurse had told me it was safe for that person. Someone near the end of life may not be able to swallow safely, and a sip of water could cause them to choke or aspirate. Some trusts train volunteers in mouth care, but I'd only do that if I'd had the training and been asked.

I wouldn't make promises I can't keep, like "I'll be here when you die" or "Your son will get here in time." And I wouldn't give medical information or guesses about how long someone has left, because that belongs to the clinical team.

Beyond that, I wouldn't share my personal phone number, accept gifts outside the trust's policy, or talk about patients outside the hospital. And I'd never try to persuade anyone towards my own beliefs.

If I was ever unsure whether something was okay, I'd simply ask the nurse before doing it.

 

Why this answer works

The answer covers the main boundaries clearly and explains the reasons behind them, especially swallowing risk. It shows the volunteer's default is to fetch the nurse and ask when unsure, which is exactly the safe behaviour panels want.

 

Key points to include

• No clinical or personal care, including moving or repositioning
• No food or drink unless trained and told it is safe
• No promises and no medical information or prognosis
• Boundaries on contact details, gifts and confidentiality
• No proselytising
• Ask the nurse whenever unsure

 

Common mistakes to avoid

• Thinking small kindnesses like a sip of water are always harmless
• Offering to help reposition a patient to save a busy nurse time
• Answering medical questions to be helpful
• Not mentioning asking for help when unsure

 

NHS values and standards

Commitment to quality of care; Respect and dignity; Working together for patients

 

Further reading

• Your trust's volunteer policy and role description
• NHS England guidance on volunteering in the NHS
• Your trust's eating and drinking and mouth care policies for end of life care

 

 

Question 6: You are called to sit with a patient who is dying and has no visitors. Talk us through what you would do from arriving on the ward.

Clinical Scenario question  ·  Clinical Scenario

 

What the interview panel is assessing

This tests whether you can calmly follow a sensible routine: checking in with staff, finding out what you need to know, being with the patient respectfully and knowing when to call for help. The panel wants a safe, kind, practical answer.

 

Model answer

I'd sign in as the scheme asks, wearing my ID badge, and go straight to the nurse in charge or the nurse looking after the patient. I'd introduce myself and ask a few things: the person's name and what they like to be called, whether there's anything I should know about their faith, culture or wishes, whether touch is okay, whether they can hear or respond, and how they'd like me to get their attention if I'm worried. I'd also check infection control, like whether I need an apron or mask.

Then I'd wash my hands and go in quietly. I'd say, "Hello, my name's… I'm a volunteer, and I'm going to sit with you for a while." Even if they don't respond, I'd assume they can hear me.

I'd sit close enough for them to know I'm there. I might talk softly about the day, read something gentle, or just be quiet. If the notes or the nurse had said they had a faith, I could ask whether they'd like a visit from the chaplain of their faith, and pass that on.

The whole time I'd be watching. If their breathing changed, they seemed in pain, restless, agitated or distressed, or if I just felt something wasn't right, I'd use the call bell or fetch the nurse, rather than waiting.

When my time was up, I wouldn't just leave. I'd make sure the next volunteer or a member of staff was taking over, give the nurse a brief handover of anything I'd noticed, and sign out.

 

Why this answer works

It gives a calm, logical routine starting with the nurse, and asks the right questions about name, faith, touch and escalation. It treats the patient as able to hear, keeps watching for change and finishes with a proper handover rather than simply leaving.

 

Key points to include

• Check in with the nurse first and ask the right questions
• Introduce yourself to the patient, assuming they can hear
• Respect faith, culture and touch preferences
• Keep observing and call staff for any concerns
• Hand over before you leave so the patient is not left alone

 

Common mistakes to avoid

• Going straight into the room without speaking to staff
• Ignoring infection control and hand hygiene
• Waiting to see if a change settles rather than telling the nurse
• Leaving at the end of your time without a handover

 

NHS values and standards

Compassion; Everyone counts; Working together for patients

 

Further reading

• One Chance to Get It Right: priorities for care of the dying person
• Your trust's companion volunteer ("no one dies alone" style) procedure
• Your trust's infection prevention and control policy

 

 

Question 7: A patient asks you to pray with them, but you do not share their faith, or have no faith yourself. What would you do?

Clinical Scenario question  ·  Clinical Scenario

 

What the interview panel is assessing

The panel is exploring how you respect a patient's spiritual needs without pretending, imposing your own beliefs or refusing coldly. They want to hear about honesty, warmth and involving the chaplaincy team.

 

Model answer

I'd want to honour what they're asking for, because a request like that often comes from a deep place, especially near the end of life.

First, I'd gently check what they'd like. Sometimes people want someone to pray aloud, sometimes they want to pray themselves and just have company, and sometimes they'd love to have a chaplain or faith leader from their own tradition. So I might say, "Of course. Would you like me to sit with you while you pray, or would you like me to ask the chaplain to come?"

If they'd simply like me there, I'd sit quietly and respectfully while they pray. If they'd like a familiar prayer read and the chaplaincy team had told me that's fine for volunteers, I could read one from a book or card, without pretending it's my own faith. I think it's okay to be honest if asked, saying something like, "It isn't my own tradition, but I'm very happy to be here with you."

I'd make sure the chaplaincy team know straight away so that someone from the right faith or belief group can visit as soon as possible. Most hospital chaplaincy teams are multi-faith and can contact local faith leaders too.

What I wouldn't do is add my own beliefs, try to steer them towards a different view or turn it into a conversation about what I think. Equally, I wouldn't refuse in a way that leaves them feeling rejected. It's about meeting their need, not mine.

 

Why this answer works

The answer checks what the patient really wants, offers presence, stays honest without making it about the volunteer, and brings in the chaplaincy team quickly. It shows clear understanding that volunteers do not proselytise.

 

Key points to include

• Clarify what kind of support the patient wants
• Offer respectful presence, whatever your own beliefs
• Be honest without making it about you
• Refer quickly to the chaplaincy team or a faith leader
• Never impose or steer towards your own beliefs

 

Common mistakes to avoid

• Refusing abruptly because it's not your faith
• Pretending to share a faith you don't hold
• Using the moment to share your own beliefs
• Not telling the chaplaincy team

 

NHS values and standards

Respect and dignity; Compassion; Everyone counts

 

Further reading

• NHS Chaplaincy Guidelines (NHS England)
• Equality Act 2010: religion or belief
• UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy standards
• Your trust's spiritual, pastoral and religious care policy

 

 

Question 8: This role can be emotionally heavy. How will you look after yourself?

Professional Development question  ·  Professional Development

 

What the interview panel is assessing

The panel wants to know you have realistic, healthy ways to cope and that you will use debriefs and supervision rather than carry things alone. They are also checking you would say if you were struggling or needed a break.

 

Model answer

I think it would be strange if this role didn't affect me sometimes, and I'd rather be honest about that than pretend I'll be fine every time.

The most important thing for me is using the support that's there. I understand most schemes have a debrief after a vigil, especially if the person died while you were there, and regular supervision or group reflection with the chaplaincy or volunteer team. I'd go to those even when I felt okay, because sometimes things catch up with you later.

I also have my own ways of switching off. After a shift I like to walk part of the way home, and I have a couple of close friends I can talk to about how I'm feeling, without sharing anything that could identify a patient. I try to keep my own routines, like sleep and seeing people, going.

I'd also watch for signs that it's getting too much, like thinking about a patient for days, struggling to sleep, or memories of my own losses coming back strongly. If that happened, I'd tell my coordinator and take a break. I know employee or volunteer wellbeing services or my GP are there too if I needed more.

I think part of looking after yourself is accepting that you can't make every death peaceful. You can only offer kindness and presence, and know that it counts.

 

Why this answer works

It acknowledges the emotional impact honestly and shows a sensible mix of formal support, like debrief and supervision, and personal habits. Spotting warning signs and being willing to step back shows maturity.

 

Key points to include

• Honest acknowledgement that it will affect you sometimes
• Using debrief and supervision even when you feel fine
• Healthy personal habits and people to talk to, keeping confidentiality
• Recognising warning signs, including your own grief resurfacing
• Willingness to tell your coordinator and take a break

 

Common mistakes to avoid

• Saying it won't affect you at all
• Relying only on yourself and not using debriefs
• Talking about patients in an identifiable way to friends
• Not knowing when to step back

 

NHS values and standards

Compassion; Commitment to quality of care

 

Further reading

• Your trust's volunteer wellbeing and support policy
• NHS England guidance on volunteering in the NHS
• Your chaplaincy team's supervision and debrief arrangements

 

 

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