North Yorkshire Council

Children & Young Peoples Services

Executive Members

2 December 2025

Independent Visitor Contract Procurement

Report of the Corporate Director Children & Young Peoples Service

This report includes a supporting Annex which contains exempt information as described in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

1.0       PURPOSE OF REPORT

1.1       To undertake a procurement exercise to award a contract for the provision of Independent Visitors within CYPS.

2.0       BACKGROUND

2.1       Local Authorities are legally required (The Children Act, 1989) to appoint an Independent Visitor (IV) to every child in care, if it is deemed to be in their best interests (The Children and Young Persons Act, 2008).  This is to ensure the child has a stable, trusted adult relationship outside of their care arrangement.  The IV’s role is to visit, befriend and advise the child in a supportive and consistent way.  They provide emotional support and mentorship, whilst also helping children to navigate their experiences in care. 

Independent Visitors are trained volunteers, not employed by the local authority or care providers. They are matched with children and young people based on shared interests, cultural background, and preferences. Their role is to provide emotional support, companionship, and advocacy, often becoming the one consistent adult in a child’s life amidst frequent placement or social worker changes.

Research and lived experience show that IVs have a positive impact on children’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, and resilience. They help children feel valued, heard, and supported. Children report that IVs help them build trust, reduce feelings of isolation, and create happy memories. The relationship is child-led and built over time, often lasting for years

The decision to appoint an IV should be considered during the development of the child’s care plan and reviewed regularly.  The child’s wishes and feelings should be taken into consideration during this process.  Local Authorities must ensure that children are aware of their right to an IV and can access one if they wish.

The existing contract is held by North Yorkshire Youth.  The scheme has seen 52 referrals between January 2021 and June 2025.  The referrals were received from 23 Social Workers (47 referrals), two Leaving Care workers (2 referrals), one Safeguarding and Children in Care Nurse (2 referrals) and one external agency (1 referral).

The current scheme provides meaningful, creative, and engaging opportunities for children and young people in care to explore their interests and hobbies. Activities range from structured outings such as ice skating, bowling, horse riding, attending professional sports events, and museum visits, to more informal experiences including picnics, nature walks, football in the park, and meeting for coffee.

Careful consideration is given to matching each young person with an appropriate IV, based on individual needs, preferences, and interests. This personalised approach has enabled children to access new environments and experiences—such as visiting the beach for the first time, enjoying fairground rides, creating memory books, and attending live football matches featuring their favourite teams.

The scheme has demonstrated impact beyond recreational value. Many young people have reported feeling safe and supported enough to share their thoughts, worries, and feelings with their IV—someone outside of their professional network. This highlights the IV scheme’s role in promoting emotional wellbeing and relational stability for children in care.

3.0       FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

3.1       The contract will be for a period of two years, 1 March 2026 – 28 February 2028, with the option to extend for a further two years, 1 March 2028 – 28 February 2030, and a further one year, 1 March 2030 – 28 February 2031 (2+2+1).

The anticipated annual value of the contract is £20,000 therefore the anticipated total contract value is £100,000.

4.0       LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

4.1       The procurement exercise will be undertaken by the Council’s Procurement and Contract Management Service, with a Gateway report considered in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Procedure Rules.

5.0       EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS

5.1       Appendix A

6.0       CLIMATE CHANGE IMPLICATIONS

6.1       Appendix B

7.0       REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1       The scheme has demonstrated impact beyond recreational value. Many young people have reported feeling safe and supported enough to share their thoughts, worries, and feelings with their independent visitor —someone outside of their professional network. This highlights the independent visitor scheme’s role in promoting emotional wellbeing and relational stability for children in care.

8.0	RECOMMENDATION
	i) To procure a contract for the Independent Visitor (IV) service.

            APPENDICES:

Appendix A – Climate change impact assessment

            Appendix B – EIA screening form

Pete Thorpe

Corporate Director – Children & young Peoples Service

County Hall

Northallerton

10 November 2025

Report Author –          Kate Reid 

Presenter of Report – Kate Reid - Head of Child Permanence and Reunification

Note: Members are invited to contact the author in advance of the meeting with any detailed queries or questions.