Member of our Change Council elected as Expert by Experience Board Member for the Independent Review of Children's Social Care

In 2019, the government made a commitment to review the children's social care system, to make sure children and young people get the support they need. As a result, the independent review of children's social care was announced on Friday 15 January 2021.

As the independent review of children's social care website states, 'The review is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the children's social care system and improve the lives of children and families. A chance to look afresh at children's social care, it will look at issues through the perspective of children and families throughout their interactions with children's social care, from having a social worker knock on the front door, through to children being in care and then leaving care.'

By listening to and engaging with a wide range of voices, the independent review hopes to build the best possible recommendations about how to achieve real change in the children's social care system in England.

As part of the independent review, an Experts by Experience Board has been formed and we're delighted to share the news that Rhiannon, a care experienced young person from Sunderland, has been selected as a member.

Rhiannon was successfully selected as a Board member following an open expression of interest process that saw over 1,000 applications made. Rhiannon, who works as a carer in Sunderland and is also part of our Change Council, is one of just 16 members who will form the Experts by Experience Board.

Rhiannon tells us: "To get on the EbE board out of over 1,000 applications meant a lot to me. All the work I put into Change Council paid off massively and I am now a voice for Sunderland's cared for and care experienced children and young people, and I can't wait to see what we can change."

We'd like to congratulate Rhiannon on this incredible achievement and wish her the best of luck in her new role!

Find out more about the independent review and their board of experts by experience at www.childrenssocialcare.independent-review.uk/experts/.