Independent Visitors For Children In Care (Next Training April 2026)

For Hampshire County Council - Children's Services - Children and Families Volunteers

Register your interest

To be an Independent Visitor (IV) is to be a trusted adult to a child or young person in care, where it is thought that this will be in their best interests to provide opportunities for children and young people to develop meaningful, long term relationships with adults.

The IV Volunteer Scheme is a statutory service for children who are ‘looked after’ by the local authority. It is for those children who would benefit from having an independent adult in their life. This scheme is voluntary for the young person, which means that they can choose to have an Independent Visitor at any time from age 8 years, up until they turn 21. 

IVs need to be consistent and reliable, so that children can build a trusting, positive relationship with them over time.  The child will have the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with their IV away from their placement.

The IV will endeavour to become and remain a consistent adult in the child's life, who does not change when placements and social workers do.

IVs begin by supporting the young person fortnightly for the first 3 months, and then continue on a monthly basis.  IVs can meet with the young person Monday to Sunday between 9am and 8pm.

The Volunteer will:

  • Attend training sessions
  • Work with the volunteer coordinator to agree a match with a child/young person
  • Attend an initial meeting with the child/young person to agree the ongoing support
  • Meet with the child/young person and deliver the ongoing support agreed
  • Keep and submit brief records about contacts/visits with the child/young person
  • Endeavour to provide support for a minimum of a year
  • Attend regular supervision/support session

Hampshire County council will

  • Offer training relevant to the role
  • Provide you with ongoing, high quality and timely support
  • Pay mileage subject to criteria being met

This opportunity is subject to an application form, references x 2, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and satisfactory completion of training. 


What skills do I need?

Training and support will be provided therefore previous experience is not essential. We are seeking volunteers who feel able to:

  • provide good communication and listening skills
  • remain calm and impartial when dealing with families
  • record accurate and timely information
  • respect differing views of individuals and work in anon-judgemental way
  • respect confidentiality and the agreed information sharing process
  • have the confidence to report concerns to their Volunteer Coordinator
  • maintain professional boundaries

Volunteers must be aged 18+.

Training dates for volunteers are released throughout the year and occur roughly quarterly. 

Followed by Strand training for Independent Visitors and Children in care (Online)

Watch a film about our volunteering service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_wY0yZasIo 

All volunteers must also complete an online safeguarding course.


Interests

  • Children
  • Health and Social Care
  • Young People

Activities

  • Counselling and Mentoring
  • General Helping
  • Supporting People and Befriending

Details

  • Accessibility
  • Age restrictions
    18+ only
  • Current Driving Licence
    Whilst not essential it is often easier if a volunteer has access to their own transport.
  • DBS check needed
  • Equal Opportunities Policy
  • Expenses reimbursed
    All volunteering expenses including mileage and parking will be paid.
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Ongoing support
    Ongoing support from the volunteer coordinator.
  • Recruitment Process
    Initial chat, application form, interview, references x2.
  • Suitable for under 16s
  • Suitable for under 18s
  • Training provided
    Yes initial and ongoing training as required.
  • Volunteer induction
  • Volunteer Policy
  • Volunteers covered by insurance
  • Written role description

When can I volunteer?

Slot Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Evening Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Availability Details

The amount of support each child/young person requires will vary depending upon their needs. Volunteers will need to be able to commit to 1 visit a month (four hours a month) for a minimum of 12 months.

Location

This role is available countywide....
RG21 7JT

GU14 7JU

GU51 4AE

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