We are looking for a passionate and creative Children’s Participation Officer to champion the rights, voices and meaningful participation of children and young people across Hillingdon.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape services by ensuring children and young people are heard, involved and empowered to influence decisions that affect their lives.
As a Children’s Participation Officer, you will work with children and young people known to a range of services including Children in Need, Child Protection, Youth Justice, Children with Disabilities, Looked After Children and Care Leavers.
Working within the framework of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and relevant legislation, you will promote inclusive, trauma-informed and youth-led approaches that improve outcomes and strengthen participation across Children’s Services.
Key responsibilities include:
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Supporting and developing participation opportunities and youth-led forums across the borough
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Maintaining and developing the Children in Care Council and other participation groups
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Planning and facilitating activities, events and consultations for children and young people
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Supporting children and young people to share their views and influence service delivery and decision-making
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Ensuring participation opportunities are accessible for all children and young people, including those who are harder to reach
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Working collaboratively with professionals, carers and partner agencies to promote best practice in participation
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Producing accessible participation materials, reports and communications for young people and professionals
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Delivering or supporting training opportunities for young people, carers and professionals
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Representing Children’s Rights and Participation at meetings, panels and strategic forums
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Supporting service development, evaluation and continuous improvement within the Participation Team
This role involves direct engagement with children and young people and requires someone who can build positive relationships, create safe spaces and encourage meaningful involvement.
About You
We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, approachable and committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.
You will:
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Have experience working with children and young people in a participation, youth work, social care or community setting
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Be passionate about children’s rights, inclusion and co-production
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Have strong communication and engagement skills
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Be confident facilitating groups, activities and consultations
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Be able to build positive relationships with children, carers, professionals and partner agencies
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Have strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
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Be able to work creatively and flexibly to engage children and young people from diverse backgrounds
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Understand safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of confidentiality
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference by helping children and young people shape the services they receive and influence wider change across the borough.
You will join a supportive and forward-thinking team committed to participation, co-production and putting children and young people at the centre of everything we do.