Participation & Engagement Lead
| Posting date: | 19 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 18 July 2025 |
| Location: | Sutton, London |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | London Borough of Sutton |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 3618 |
Summary
London Borough of Sutton are seeking a dedicated Participation and Engagement Lead to join our Corporate Parenting team. Sitting within the Corporate Parenting service and reporting directly to the Head of Service, this pivotal role will lead on the operational and strategic development and implementation of the Participation Framework, with a focus on Children in Care Council and care-experienced young adults.
Your responsibilities will include::
Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the “Participation Strategy” to embed participation, engagement, and impact across services.
Facilitate a vibrant, dynamic “Children in Care Council” and support the development of a “Post-18 Positive Engagement and Shadow Board”
Develop and implement a “Quality Assurance Framework” aligned with commissioning standards for Children’s Social Care (CSC) providers.
Promote the voice and views of children in care and care-experienced young people through strategic and operational initiatives.
Offering advocacy and tailored support to children and young people from diverse backgrounds.
This role offers a unique opportunity to influence policy, practice, and service delivery, ensuring that the voices of children and young people in care are heard, valued, and acted upon across all levels of the Council and partner agencies.
For more information about the role and/or an informal conversation, view the Role Profile or contact Debbie Owen, Head of Service on debbie.owen@sutton.gov.uk
We welcome applications from candidates with knowledge of children’s social care, with experience of working directly with children and young people and interested in developing a role with a range of responsibilities.
We would expect candidates to fulfil the competencies including
Qualification in social work, youth work or equivalent.
Experience of developing and leading participation and engagement activities, particularly with children and young people in care or care-experienced.
Strong understanding of safeguarding, children's rights, and the importance of inclusive participation.
Proven ability to influence policy, practice, and strategic development through excellent communication, facilitation, and advocacy skills.
Ability to build effective relationships with children, young people, families, and professionals.
Experience managing projects, apprentices, or youth forums.
Hybrid working model - 3 days in the Civic Office
Join our team and play a vital role in making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people. This is an opportunity to shape participation frameworks and influence meaningful change, ensuring that children’s voices are at the heart of decision-making. We offer a supportive working environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to develop your skills while contributing to a shared vision of empowering young people and creating lasting impact.
Your responsibilities will include::
Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the “Participation Strategy” to embed participation, engagement, and impact across services.
Facilitate a vibrant, dynamic “Children in Care Council” and support the development of a “Post-18 Positive Engagement and Shadow Board”
Develop and implement a “Quality Assurance Framework” aligned with commissioning standards for Children’s Social Care (CSC) providers.
Promote the voice and views of children in care and care-experienced young people through strategic and operational initiatives.
Offering advocacy and tailored support to children and young people from diverse backgrounds.
This role offers a unique opportunity to influence policy, practice, and service delivery, ensuring that the voices of children and young people in care are heard, valued, and acted upon across all levels of the Council and partner agencies.
For more information about the role and/or an informal conversation, view the Role Profile or contact Debbie Owen, Head of Service on debbie.owen@sutton.gov.uk
We welcome applications from candidates with knowledge of children’s social care, with experience of working directly with children and young people and interested in developing a role with a range of responsibilities.
We would expect candidates to fulfil the competencies including
Qualification in social work, youth work or equivalent.
Experience of developing and leading participation and engagement activities, particularly with children and young people in care or care-experienced.
Strong understanding of safeguarding, children's rights, and the importance of inclusive participation.
Proven ability to influence policy, practice, and strategic development through excellent communication, facilitation, and advocacy skills.
Ability to build effective relationships with children, young people, families, and professionals.
Experience managing projects, apprentices, or youth forums.
Hybrid working model - 3 days in the Civic Office
Join our team and play a vital role in making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people. This is an opportunity to shape participation frameworks and influence meaningful change, ensuring that children’s voices are at the heart of decision-making. We offer a supportive working environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to develop your skills while contributing to a shared vision of empowering young people and creating lasting impact.