Volunteer Independent Visitor

Independent Visitors Volunteer

Salary Scale: Volunteer

Fixed Term: For a minimum of one Year

Hours: Evenings, weekends and school holidays for a minimum of 4-6 hours per month

Interview date: 21st April 2026

This is your opportunity to join our ‘Outstanding’ Company and make a difference! We are proud that Together for Children Sunderland is rated ‘outstanding’ in a judgement by Ofsted in 2021, in recognition of the stability of our very well supported and talented workforce who deliver an ongoing commitment to improving children’s outcomes. Join us and help us in continuing our outstanding journey!

Visa sponsorship: We welcome applications from all nationalities; however, successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK by the commencement of employment.

Some children and young people who are in care have little or no contact with their families. They live in a children’s home and may have moved among numerous foster carers or could be looked after by a family member or friend. The young people see independent visitors as adult friends who support them through difficult times. You may support them to join a sports team, or take them to activities such as the cinema, cycling, bowling or dog walking. You will provide a listening ear and, in many cases, offer a long‑term support to the young person.

We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life who have some free time to offer a child or young person.

Requirements

• To be an independent visitor you must be over the age of 21.
• You must be as independent as possible from Childrens Social Care Sunderland, and for this reason you must not work for Together for Children or be an elected member of the Sunderland local council.
• No formal education or qualifications are needed.
• You will need to have an active interest in the welfare of children, a flexible attitude and be resilient.
• Above all, you need to be reliable and committed to visiting your child or young person regularly.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about this post please contact Estelle Brown at estelle.brown@togetherforchildren.org.uk or call 07833434660.

The successful applicants will be required to apply for a Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Volunteers undergo a comprehensive induction training package, and an interview before an appointment is offered. Mileage/expenses are paid.

Together for Children is committed to developing and retaining a workforce that is representative of the diverse local communities that we support across Sunderland. We’re striving to build an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued and diversity is celebrated by everyone.

As part of this commitment, we work collaboratively with our established employee networks:

• Accessibility Network
• LGBTQ+ Network
• Racial Equality Network
• Armed Forces Network

We welcome and encourage job applications from candidates regardless of their age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race, and background.

If you have a disability please do reach out to our Accessibility Network Chair to hear how we can support you during the recruitment process and if you are successful, in the workplace: peoplesupport@togetherforchildren.org.uk.

For further information on Together for Children, please take a look at our website:

https://www.togetherforchildren.org.uk