At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead youth participation initiatives and empower young voices in decision-making.
- Company: Join a pioneering not-for-profit shaping care for children in the South East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team dedicated to improving outcomes for young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth engagement and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to influence regional and national youth participation models.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Salary: £55,000 per annum
Location: South East (hybrid working – regional travel required)
Contract: Permanent, full-time
About Home and Future
Home and Future is one of the first two Regional Care Cooperatives (RCCs) to be established in England, developed in the South East following a recommendation from the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care led by Josh MacAlister. We’re an independent, not-for-profit company bringing together 19 local authorities across the South East with one shared mission, to provide the right local homes, the right support, and the right workforce for our children and young people. At the heart of Home and Future is a strong belief that young people’s voices must shape the services designed for them. Our growing Youth Participation Collaborative brings together participation officers and young people from across the region to make sure those voices are heard, valued, and acted upon. It’s an incredibly exciting time to join us as we move from development into delivery.
The Role
As Participation Manager, you’ll lead our regional approach to participation, helping to embed children and young people’s voices at the heart of everything we do. You’ll build on the fantastic work already happening across our 19 local authorities, supporting collaboration, sharing best practice, and creating new ways for young people to shape the future of care across the South East. A key part of your role will be to develop and support a Young People’s Shadow Board, making sure it has the right structures, support, and governance so that young people can meaningfully influence our main Board and the direction of Home and Future. This is a unique opportunity to help design something special, a model of youth participation that can inspire change regionally and nationally. The post will report to the Lead Commissioning Manager.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Is passionate about amplifying young people’s voices and putting their experiences at the centre of decision-making.
- Has experience leading participation, co-production, or youth engagement work, ideally within children’s services or a related area.
- Enjoys working collaboratively and building strong partnerships across different organisations.
- Is an excellent communicator and facilitator, able to engage confidently with young people and professionals alike.
- Understands safeguarding, inclusion, and how to create safe, empowering spaces for participation.
If you’re creative, kind, and motivated by making a real difference for children and young people, this could be the perfect next step for you.
Why Join us?
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to play a leading role in one of England’s first Regional Care Cooperatives. You’ll be joining a passionate, innovative team committed to transforming outcomes for children and young people. At Home and Future, you will have the opportunity to shape how participation is embedded within an ambitious new organisation, ensuring that the voices of children and young people are not just heard, but truly drive the work we do.
Participation Manager employer: Home and Future (South East RCC)
Contact Detail:
Home and Future (South East RCC) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Participation Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Home and Future. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or during interviews, make sure to express why you care about amplifying young people's voices. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to participation and youth engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Home and Future’s initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and think about how your skills can contribute to their mission. This will show that you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in making a difference with them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Home and Future. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Participation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express your passion for amplifying young people's voices in your application. We want to see how your experiences align with our mission to put their needs at the heart of decision-making.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on any roles you've had in participation, co-production, or youth engagement. We’re keen to see how your background can contribute to our collaborative efforts across the 19 local authorities.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your written application. We value creativity and kindness, so don’t hesitate to share your unique approach to engaging with young people and professionals alike.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Home and Future (South East RCC)
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Home and Future's mission and values. Understand their approach to youth participation and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've amplified young people's voices in previous roles. Highlight any successful projects or initiatives you've led that demonstrate your commitment to youth engagement and co-production.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Treat the interview as a two-way conversation. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and how they envision the role of Participation Manager evolving. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working across various local authorities, be prepared to discuss your experience in building partnerships. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different stakeholders to achieve common goals.