Purpose of Role:

The aim of the Independent Visitor is to undertake monthly visits to a young person in care. Young people in care have often experienced trauma and lack a consistent adult relationship in their life. The IV is someone who may be the one constant adult in their life.

The IV role is unique and aims to help the young person develop a positive 1:1, long lasting friendship with a trusted adult outside of the care system. Someone who isn’t paid to be there for them.

Role Description:

We are currently looking for a Male volunteer in the Mansfield Woodhouse/Nottingham area to become an Independent Visitor and establish a good quality, long-term relationship with a male young person.

Young people in care can lack a consistent relationship with an adult and miss out on the experiences and opportunities this can offer them. As an Independent Visitor you will meet with them about once a month to take them out, have fun and be a good role model whilst developing trust and rapport.  Our young people often feedback to us they enjoy their time out with their IV’s and like that it gets them out and offers them the opportunity to develop their confidence in meeting new people.

The visits will take place out in the community, based on the needs of the young person, and can involve anything from a walk around the park, bowling, going to a restaurant or an outing to the cinema. Any activity undertaken should be child led.

The ideal candidate for this young person would have a good sense of fun and adventure, be willing to participate in activities such as go karting, ice skating, trampolining, bowling, cinema, laser quest, eating out, and theme parks. Might have some Pokémon knowledge and some experience with young people with ADHD and Autism.

There is a visit budget of £40 for activities per month and mileage for volunteers is reimbursed on top of this.

Volunteers are supported through regular supervision with the service coordinator and are offered ongoing support and training. No experience is necessary, just the willingness to pledge a few hours a month at the weekend to the young person and support their wellbeing

You should be over 21 years old, able to commit for two years, thereby providing the young person with long-term consistency, and be able to spare at least 2-6 hours per month.

Before you can become an Independent Visitor Cambridgeshire County Council undertake interviews, references, and checks, including an enhanced DBS (criminal records) check. You will need to complete a training programme, involving safeguarding training.

Skills and Qualifications: 

• Good communication particularly with children and young people ·
• Ability to promote the safety and welfare of children and young people ·
•  Ability to recognise and understand the values and behaviours of children and young people ·
•  Ability to receive and accept support and guidance ·
• Ability to understand the circumstances of children in care
•  Good sense of humour, non-judgemental approach and patience

When required (any of these times): This young person would prefer visits of an evening or on a Sunday.

Additional Information:

• Are there age restrictions for this opportunity?: Yes
• Age Restrictions: 21
• Are there gender restrictions for this opportunity?: Yes
• Gender restrictions: Male volunteers only please
•  Is the opportunity accessible to disabled people?: Yes
• Disability restrictions: This opportunity is accessible to disabled people. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
• How long before volunteer can expect a response?: We will try to respond to volunteer enquiries within 3 working days
•  How long to complete training and recruitment?: As the volunteer is a one off in the area we would look to do all of the above quite quickly. I expect to take a max of 2-3 months.
• Volunteer Expenses offered?: Yes
• Induction and Training offered?: Yes
• Support and Supervision offered?: Yes
• Has a risk assessment been carried out?: Yes
• DBS Disclosure required?: Yes

Who to Contact: Sarah Bedford – Independent Visitor Coordinator

 cambsiv.service@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or for more information visit Independent visitor for looked after children | Cambridgeshire County Council