Summary This article poses a number of important questions regarding the current trends and future challenges for volunteering in end of life care within the UK. It gives a unique perspective from an organisation which has undergone a large change programme identifying new possibilities and potential for a more effective utilisation of volunteers across end of life health and social care service provision. Using Saint-Christopher's Hospice, London as a case study, the change management programme is presented and described, highlighting important areas such as recruitment and selection, appropriate training and education, and effective and necessary support and supervision structures. Some individual stories are added to the mix in order to give a more personal sense of the benefits and rewards for individuals choosing to volunteer as part of the changing landscape of good quality end of life care. It is an important question for end of life care in general, and hospice care in particular, as to whether or not the volunteer programme that is offered is “fit for purpose” both within the current climate and as part of an altered future.