Independent Visitor

Join Our Team as an **Independent Visitor (Reg 44)**

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a commitment to ensuring the highest standards of care and support? If so, we invite you to join our team at Hygge Children’s Homes as a critical friend, an Independent Visitor.

**About Us**:
In our Hygge community, you will meet others from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. Yet, what binds us together is our unwavering dedication and commitment to our shared values.

Together, we celebrate small victories, share moments of laughter, offer support in times of need and pause for a cup of tea (and a homemade brownie) to catch a breath.

As we continue to grow our team, we are dedicated to creating a supportive environment where everyone feels heard, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team. We believe that the power to make a difference lies within each individual, regardless of their background, age or previous experiences.

**The Role**:
Do you want to be at the heart of our mission to change the experience of children in care? As an Independent Visitor, you'll embark on a journey to ensure the safety, well-being and quality of care provided to the children in our therapeutic homes. Your role is pivotal as you undertake monthly visits in alignment with Regulation 44 of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulation 2015 to two of our homes initially and to grow with us as an organisation. This would be followed by a detailed, supportive and insightful report within 5 working days. Your assessments will encompass safeguarding, quality of care, and the invaluable perspective of the children that live with us.

The Independent Visitor is a person separate from the line management of the home and care planning of the children who produces a report for Ofsted. This report covers leadership, resources and staff skills in meeting the needs of each child. A typical report would include the following sections:

- How well the children and young people are helped and protected
- The overall experiences and progress of children and young people
- The impact and effectiveness of leaders and managers

**Key Responsibilities**:
You will:

- Conduct monthly visits to each home, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for our young residents.
- Deliver comprehensive reports within 5 working days, offering a rigorous and impartial assessment of safeguarding arrangements and the quality of care provided.
- Engage directly with children to understand their experiences, needs and aspirations within our homes.
- Provide insightful recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and quality of our care services, ensuring the well-being of our children and the team that support them remains at the forefront.
- Collaborate with senior managers to address emerging themes and enhance the overall quality of our services.
- Undertake deep dive inspection into key areas of all homes as directed by the Senior Leadership Team or the Home Manager, focusing on continuous improvement and excellence.

**What We Offer**:

- Self-employment terms
- A set monthly fee of £250 incl. mileage per visit
- Flexible working (ranging from 2 days a month to full-time as the organisation grows, over a variety of days and times to suit both you and each home)

**Person Specification**:
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children? We're seeking a compassionate individual with the following qualities:

- Extensive experience in the children's care sector, with a passion for ensuring the welfare and happiness of young people.
- In-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks, including the Children’s Home (England) Regulation 2015 and quality standards guiding residential care.
- Proven expertise in quality assurance within children's residential services, including safeguarding practices.
- Exceptional communication skills, with a genuine ability to connect with experienced staff and children.
- Proficient report writing skills, capable of articulating findings and recommendations with clarity and empathy.
- Commitment to safeguarding principles and GDPR compliance, ensuring the privacy and dignity of children.
- Flexibility to undertake visits on different days and times depending on the needs of each home and those living with us.
- Full drivers licence and access to a car.

Join us in shaping a brighter future for our children. Together, we can create a place where every child feels valued, cherished, and empowered to thrive.