About the role
Do you have experiences of children's social care and are you passionate about amplifying the voices of children, young people, and families? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re looking for a Children's Participation Officer to join our team at Hillingdon, playing a central role in enabling co-production with children, young people, and their parents/carers. This exciting position involves leading group work, facilitating consultations, and gathering the views and experiences of those who use our services ensuring they are at the heart of what we do.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the ongoing Family First reforms, designed to improve services for children, young people and their families through a coordinated, multi-agency approach.

You’ll be based in the Children’s Participation Team, with strong links to the Transformation Team and other key services. Your input will help shape and deliver borough-wide service improvements that make a lasting difference.

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

Strong communication and advocacy skills
Confidence in using ICT systems and digital tools
Experience working with children and young people
A background of lived experience within safeguarding services (e.g., care-experienced or having previously had a social worker)

This role requires flexibility, including evening and occasional weekend work.

Why Join Hillingdon?

Be part of a forward-thinking, supportive team
Have real influence on the direction and design of services
Help shape meaningful change at a borough-wide level

If you’re driven by creating better outcomes for children and families and want to be part of a team that’s truly making a difference, we want to hear from you.

For further information or informal enquiries, please contact Aisling Knight ([email protected]), Childrens Participation Team Manager

About You
About us
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:

Enhanced DBS Check
5 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

London Borough of Hillingdon

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Children's Participation Officer - Lived Experience