At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead participation strategies to empower children and families in social care.
- Company: Join Central Bedfordshire Council, a recognised leader in children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and rewarding career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with exciting events and projects to engage young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by amplifying the voices of children and families.
- Qualifications: Experience in advocacy, participation, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 41042 - 44296 £ per year.
Team: Children’s Services Quality Assurance
Job Family: Supporting - CBG11
Salary: £41,042 - £44,296 per annum pro rata
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month.
Contract Type: Hybrid - Permanent
Closing Date: 20th July 2026
Interview Date: 28th July 2026
About the Role
Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking an experienced Participation Lead, to lead and implement the participation strategy across children’s social care. This is a role that will sit at the very centre of our quality assurance team, providing parents and children with opportunities to have a genuine voice in the services that affect them.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Family Meeting, Advocacy and Mediation service to develop parent and child advocacy.
- Lead co‑production activity and ensure feedback from children, young people and families directly shapes practice and service development as part of the Families First reforms.
- Act as the lead practitioner in promoting participation activity, ensuring it leads to tangible change and service improvement.
- Collaborate with practitioners across the local authority, elected members and statutory safeguarding partners to promote the voices of children in our care and influence change, including leading the Children in Care Council and Care Experienced Forums.
- Lead the development and management of a programme of participation events and projects, such as the Young Inspectors Programme and the annual celebration for looked‑after and care‑experienced children and young people.
- Manage line responsibility for one participation worker, with potential for further expansion as the role develops.
- Remain flexible to evening and weekend working, and support an annual residential trip.
Benefits
Rewards and benefits available to staff; view our Rewards and Benefits page.
Additional Information
Children and Families Services have been recognised as ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2025.
Safeguarding
Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers and contractors to share this commitment. This post is subject to the disclosure of criminal records.
Visa and Sponsorship
We are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the contract offered.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruitment Team
