Join us as a young inspection volunteer
Are you care-experienced and aged 18–21? Your voice matters and we want to hear it! Below we have given you some information that may help you decide if you want to become a young inspection volunteer.
This opportunity is for care experienced young people who want to:
- try something new
- build confidence
- meet people
- share their ideas
- make a difference.
What “care experienced” means
You might be care experienced if you have ever:
- lived in foster care
- lived with relatives
- lived in a children’s home
- lived in supported accommodation
- been looked after at home.
Everyone’s story is different
You never have to share anything you don’t want to.
Your story belongs to you.
Who are the Care Inspectorate
We are the Care Inspectorate, the independent organisation that checks care services to make sure they are safe, fair, and focused on what people need. We believe lived experience is powerful, and your insights can help us improve care for thousands of young people.
What you will do as a young inspection volunteer
As a young inspection volunteer, you will help shape better services for children and young people across Scotland. You can keep volunteering until you’re 26, so there’s plenty of time to make an impact and grow your skills.
You might:
- speak to young people who are currently in care services
- share your ideas about what young people need
- help us develop and improve the way we speak to young people
- support the design of activities and projects
- use your skills and strengths
- try new things
- help at events or focus groups
- support other young people in a friendly way.
What you will gain
Volunteering isn’t just about giving back, it’s about growing too! You could build:
- CV and job-ready skills
- communication and teamwork skills
- confidence in interviews and presentations
- leadership and decision-making skills
- insight into inspection processes
- personal growth and development.
You decide what feels useful and comfortable for you.
Your training
Five days of training where we look at communication, how we keep people safe, confidentiality, team working and many other topics. This training is delivered by Move On and Care inspectorate staff.
Your commitment
Up to 6 days a year (with the option to do more)
Staying away from home
Some inspections may involve travel and being away from home for up to 3 days.
If this happens:
- we pay for the hotel and meals, transport
- you will be supported throughout
- you will always know what to expect.
Expenses covered
Travel and reasonable costs - we’ve got you covered! Volunteering shouldn’t leave you out of pocket.
A supportive space
Life can be busy, and we understand that. We will work together to find what feels manageable for you. At the same time, inspections need reliability, so we will have open conversations about what works best for you. We want you to feel safe, respected, and valued, and we will make sure you have the support you need every step of the way.
How we will support you:
- we don’t judge
- we don’t make assumptions
- we explain things clearly
- we want you to feel safe, respected, and listened to
- we want to empower you — your ideas, strengths, and voice matter here.
Support to do your role as an inspection volunteer comes from Move On, including:
- clear instructions
- breaks
- a quiet space
- a mentor or check in person.
Recruitment
The Care Inspectorate work in partnership with Move On, who provide us with support for recruitment. Move On take the lead in managing the recruitment process on our behalf, helping us bring in amazing people who share our values and passion for making a difference.
Checks and references
To keep everyone safe, we will ask you to:
- complete a PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check
- provide two references.
If this feels new or overwhelming, don’t worry, we will guide you through every step and make sure you feel supported.
How to apply
Applications are handled through Move On.
Need support to apply?
Please call [insert phone number here] and Move On will be happy to help you through the process.
The closing date is Friday 8 May 2026.
We expect interviews to take place week beginning 25 May 2026.
We expect training to take place week beginning 13 July 2026.