At a Glance
- Tasks: Build a network for lived experience participation and champion participatory practices.
- Company: Independent Age, a charity dedicated to improving lives of older people facing financial hardship.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension scheme, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a commitment to equity and flexibility.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people and shape impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in participatory activities and strong communication skills.
Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.
Responsibilities and Person Specification:
This role is dedicated to building lived experience participation at Independent Age. We want to deliver more opportunities for a greater variety of people with lived experience of financial hardship in later life to shape our work in meaningful ways. The role will be responsible for developing a lived experience participation network ensuring that our existing and growing work in this area can be delivered smoothly, ethically and in line with best practice and making sure that the voices of those most at risk of financial hardship can be heard. The role will champion and encourage participatory practice across the organisation, developing the long term lived experience strategy and supporting the organisation to learn and grow in this area.
You should have strong experience of designing, running and supporting participatory activity, particularly with those with lived experience of a pressing social issue. You will be passionate about making change for those with experience of financial hardship in later life and bring an understanding of what barriers there might be to taking part and how to overcome them. Exceptional organisational skills are a must, along with great communication and the ability to build relationships with a broad range of people.
This is a part time role, 21 hours per week, which should be worked over a minimum of three days.
Salary Information:
- London based: £46,227 per year, full time equivalent (£27,736 actual)
- Homebased: £41,607 per year, full time equivalent (£24,964 actual)
What it’s like to work at Independent Age:
We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included. We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits. We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office are required to attend the office a minimum of 4 days per month). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.
Application Process:
To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification. To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name.
Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS will be carried out for the successful applicant.
Closing Date: 21st June 2026 11:59pm
Remote working/work at home options are available for this role.
Participation Manager employer: Independent Age
Independent Age is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of older people facing financial hardship. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a supportive work culture that values unique perspectives and experiences. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous leave provisions, and extensive learning opportunities, making it a rewarding place to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful change in society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Participation Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, dive into Independent Age's mission and values. Understanding their focus on financial hardship in later life will help you connect your experiences and ideas to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. It’s a great way to get insider info and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past where you've successfully engaged with diverse groups or tackled social issues. This will showcase your participatory skills and passion for making a difference.
✨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 serious about joining the team at Independent Age and contributing to their important work.
We think you need these skills to ace Participation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Participation Manager. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of participatory practices and your passion for helping those facing financial hardship in later life.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we want you to be yourself, remember to maintain a professional tone throughout your application. Share your personal motivations for applying, but keep it relevant to the role and the mission of Independent Age. This will help us see your genuine interest in making a difference.
Follow the Application Guidelines:Pay close attention to the application instructions provided. Ensure you submit your CV and supporting statement through our website, and remember not to include your name or any identifying information in your documents. This helps us with anonymous shortlisting!
Be Honest About Your Experience:If you don’t meet every single criterion in the person specification, don’t sweat it! If you feel you have most of the skills we're looking for and are excited about the role, go ahead and apply. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, so share what you bring to the table.
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent Age
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Independent Age's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in supporting older people facing financial hardship. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience in designing and running participatory activities. Think of specific examples where you've successfully engaged with individuals who have lived experience of social issues. Highlight how you overcame barriers to participation, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires building relationships with a diverse range of people, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with different stakeholders in the past, and be ready to share strategies for fostering inclusivity.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their current participatory practices or how they envision the future of the lived experience participation network. Asking questions shows your interest and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
