Participation and Policy Lead

Pure Insight supports young people leaving care between the ages of 16 and 28. We provide a wraparound offer that supports young people in taking control of their lives, feeling connected, and developing a sense of belonging in their community. Over the past 11 years, we have grown across Greater Manchester delivering services in Stockport, Salford, Cheshire East, Warrington, and most recently in Halton. In the upcoming years, we plan to extend our services to other local authorities in the surrounding areas. We are proud to have developed nationally recognised best practice programmes alongside young care leavers.

Young people are at the heart of our decision-making, and we have an exciting opportunity to join our team in a new role. Your responsibility will be to ensure young people's views, experiences, and social action continue to influence service delivery, commissioning, and policy by facilitating innovative, meaningful, and co-produced participation activities that create real change. The role will also take Pure Insight's social action and advocacy to the next level, playing a pivotal role in shaping policy initiatives and influencing decision-makers at local, regional, and national levels. You will be an integral part of building on successful initiatives with existing and new partners across central/local government, public sector, and VCSE.

Role: Participation and Policy Lead

Location: Hybrid work arrangement with community and home working (expectation to work alongside young people a minimum of 3 days a week). Travel is required across the regions we provide services to (Salford, Stockport, Warrington, Halton, and Cheshire East).

Salary: £33,000

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35hrs flexible working including some evenings and occasional weekends.

Annual Leave: 24 days plus bank holidays, increasing to 26 days after 2 years and then 27 days after 5 years employment.

Benefits:

• A friendly, fun, and supportive working environment
• Great flexible working options
• Extensive learning and professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 24 days plus bank holidays
• Additional days leave on your birthday

Key Responsibilities:

• Grow and develop the Care Experienced Young People Participation Network & Voice Experts by Experience (EbE).
• Lead and develop Pure Insight's participation framework and delivery plans alongside young people and the wider charity.
• Develop, support, and co-facilitate EbE activity, ensuring inclusive engagement via a flexible approach.
• Design and implement a series of engaging participation events and other 1:1 and group activities agreed by EbE.
• Use principles of co-production to advance policy and influence priorities.
• Design a Young Persons leadership programme for participation.
• Co-produce practical guides and content to be shared with partners.
• Assist young people and staff to present at conferences, workshops, and other events.
• Develop relationships with key external organisations and stakeholders.
• Maintain expert knowledge of research findings, legislation, statutory guidance, and policy developments.
• Research, write, and target influential position papers/best practice statements.
• Collaborate with staff members to use findings from consultations with young people to drive continuous service improvement.

Essential Experience/Qualifications / Attributes:

• Ability to analyse, scrutinise, interpret, and present complicated information.
• Experience of planning and delivery of workshops and other participation activities.
• Minimum 2 years of experience engaging young people.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Understanding of the emotional, psychological, and practical issues faced by care leavers.
• Understanding of youth participation and research principles.
• Strong understanding of local authority structures and decision-making processes.
• Ability to analyse both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Proven ability to collaborate and strengthen partnerships.
• Strong problem-solving and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Desirable:

• Experience of the care system.
• Track record of successfully influencing local and central government.
• Experience of working for an organisation supporting young people leaving care.
• Understanding of policy development processes.