At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people in sharing their voices and improving services.
- Company: Brent Council, a vibrant and diverse London borough.
- Benefits: Up to 33 days annual leave, excellent pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help shape community services.
- Qualifications: Experience with youth participation and group work.
The predicted salary is between 37692 - 39276 € per year.
Salary range: £37,692 – £39,276 (pro rata) p.a. incl. London weighting.
Contract: Permanent.
Hours of work: 10.8 hours per week.
Location: Civic centre and other locations from time to time.
About the Borough
Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here.
The Post
We are looking for a Participation Support Worker who is passionate about supporting children and young people to have their voices heard. You will be supporting the participation team to actively involve children and young people in the governance, evaluation and improvement of services. This could be supporting young people to share their views in council meetings and running creative co‑design projects for young people to improve services. You will support the delivery of participation sessions and activities with participation groups, such as Brent Youth Parliament. Sessions and meetings usually take place in person during:
- After school (weekday evenings)
- Weekends
- School holidays
The Person
We are looking for someone passionate about supporting children and young people to be involved in participation activities and have their voices heard. You will have experience of working with children and young people in groups and knowledge of youth participation principles and practice.
Role
This is a part‑time role for 10.8 hours a week. Availability required for:
- After school (weekday evenings)
- Weekends
- School holidays
- Occasional overnight residential trips
Why Join Us?
We know people achieve their best when they feel valued. At Brent, you’ll benefit from:
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS)
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
- Supportive family‑friendly policies for parents, guardians, and carers
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment
Closing date: Wednesday 20 May 2026 (23:59)
Equal Opportunities
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourages applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self‑identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application. We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.
Brent has a positive approach to flexible working. As a disability confident employer, Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including non‑visible disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk.
Participation Support Officer employer: Brent Council
Brent Council is an exceptional employer that values diversity and inclusivity, offering a supportive work environment where employees can thrive. With generous benefits such as up to 33 days of annual leave, excellent pension contributions, and flexible working options, you will find ample opportunities for personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people in the vibrant borough of Brent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Participation Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work with children and young people. Attend local events or workshops in Brent to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers, share your experiences working with youth and how you’ve helped them have their voices heard. Make it personal and relatable!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios where you’ve successfully engaged young people in participation activities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the amazing benefits we offer.
We think you need these skills to ace Participation Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about giving them a voice and making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with children and young people. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of youth participation principles and how you've applied them in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to showcase your skills in the format we prefer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brent Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the principles of youth participation and how they apply to the role. Brush up on Brent's community initiatives and think about how you can contribute to them. This will show your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with children and young people. Highlight any creative projects you've led or participated in, especially those that involved co-designing services. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to engage effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle certain situations, like facilitating a council meeting or running a participation session. Think through potential challenges and your strategies for overcoming them. This will help you articulate your problem-solving skills.
✨Express Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people shine through. Share why you believe their voices matter and how you plan to empower them in your role. A genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates.
