Lived Experience User Forum Officer

Job description Job Title: Lived Experience User Forum Officer Location: Based in Belfast with requirement to travel across Northern Ireland Contract Type: Full-time: 37 hours Fixed term until 31stMarch 2028 Salary: £26,737 - £29,177 Reports to: RESET Coordinator About Nexus Nexus is a Northern Ireland wide charity and 2024 marked 40 years of providing services in supporting victims and survivors of sexual abuse and abusive relationships.??? Every year in Northern Ireland there are thousands of sexual offences reported to PSNI, and thousands more that go unreported. Without specialist support like ours, victims of these crimes will find it even harder to deal with the trauma they experience. The impact of this trauma can be devastating and is lifelong.? We deliver a range of bespoke and specialised supports and services including:? Trauma informed counselling to those affected by sexual assault and trauma from age 8? Post counselling support and follow-up? A UK wide 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline, which is funded by the Department of Health, Department of Justice, and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland? Education and Training initiatives delivered to a breadth of organisations, professionals, parents, schools and young people on topics such as consent, child sexual exploitation, handling disclosures and healthy relationships.? Our most recent strategic plan (2023- 2026), latest reports, policies and research can be viewed here:? We use lived experience, professional expertise and research to improve the development of relevant policy, practice and service commissioning. We stimulate debate so our society becomes more informed and confident in speaking out and challenging sexual abuse and abusive relationships to break the cycle. Our people our vital to the success of the organisation, they are a dedicated and professional group of individuals who uphold our values through the delivery of specialist, quality driven and sustainable services. Purpose of the Role: The Lived Experience User Forum Officer will lead the development and facilitation of Nexus Lived Experience User Forum, creating a safe, welcoming and empowering space where people with lived experience of sexual abuse and abusive relationships can come together, connect with others, share their views and use their experiences to influence positive change. The postholder will workdirectly and regularly with the User Forum group, primarily through in-person meetings and activities, building strong,trustingand positive relationships with members. They will bring energy,creativityand enthusiasm to the role, developing engaging ways for members toparticipate, express their views andidentifythe issues that matter to them. A key focus of the role will be tosupport and develop members to advocate for themselves and others. This will includeprovidingstructured opportunities to develop confidence,knowledgeand advocacy skills, helping members understand their rights, communicate their experiences and views effectively, and contribute to discussions about policy, services and the wider support and justice systems. The postholder will support members to recognise that their lived experience is valuableexpertiseand that their voices can contribute to meaningful change. They will ensure members are supported to have influence whilemaintainingchoice over what they share, how theyparticipateand the level of involvement that feels right for them. The User Forum will be asafe, voluntary, non-therapeutic and empowering space. The postholder will ensure clear boundaries aremaintainedbetween participation and therapeutic support and will work closely with Nexus counselling and aftercare teams whereadditionalsupport or safeguarding concerns arise. This role requires someone who ispersonable, approachable, emotionallyintelligentand highly engaging, with the ability to build genuine working relationships with a diverse range of people. The successful candidate will be sensitive to the experiences and needs of members while also being confidentenough to encourage participation, challenge appropriately and create opportunities for members to develop. The ideal candidate will becreative,enthusiasticand full of ideas, with the ability to think differently about how people canparticipateand how lived experience can be translated into positive action and change. Key Responsibilities 1. User Forum Facilitation and Relationship Building Build andmaintainstrong,positiveand trusting working relationships with User Forum members. Facilitate regularin-person User Forum meetings and activities, creating a welcoming,inclusiveand enjoyable environment. Develop sessions that are engaging, purposeful and accessible, using creative and participatory approaches to encourage involvement. Get to know members as individuals and understand their different strengths, communication styles,interestsand support needs. Encourage members who may lack confidence toparticipatewhile respecting those who prefer to contribute in quieter or alternative ways. Create opportunities for members to connect with and support one another. Develop clear group agreements covering respect, confidentiality, consent,boundariesand emotional safety. Manage group dynamics sensitively and confidently, including disagreement, distress,conflictor disengagement. Ensure the Forumremainsa participatory and feedback space and does not become a counselling or therapy group. 2. Supporting Advocacy and Personal Development Support User Forum members to develop the confidence, knowledge and skills toadvocate for themselves and others. Develop and deliver structured advocacy learning and development opportunities appropriate to members needs and interests. Support members to understand their rights and the protections available to victims and survivors of sexual offences. Help members develop skills in expressing their views, communicating theirexperiencesand presenting recommendations for change. Support members toidentifyissues that matter to them and consider how they can influence services,policyand decision-making. Create opportunities for members to contribute to consultations, meetings, events, servicedevelopmentand organisational learning whereappropriate. Encourage members to recognise and use their lived experience as a source of knowledge andexpertise. Support members to develop their confidence to speak up, ask questions, challenge appropriately and represent their views. Ensure participationremainsvoluntary and that membersretainchoice about what theydiscloseand how they become involved. 3. Lived Experience Voice and Influence Work with members toidentifythemes, priorities and recommendations arising from their experiences of support services and wider systems. Use creative and accessible methods to gather views, including group discussion, activities, anonymous feedback, writtencontributionsand other participatory approaches. Ensure lived-experience feedback is captured accurately,respectfullyand ethically. Translate themes and recommendations into clear messages that can inform Nexus practice, policy, servicedevelopmentand wider influencing work. Present User Forum learning and recommendations to internal teams, seniorleadershipand relevant external stakeholders. Support members, whereappropriate, to contribute directly to meetings, events,consultationsor other opportunities to influence change. Ensure members receive feedback about what has happenedas a result oftheir contribution, helping todemonstratethat their voice has been heard and valued. Identifyopportunities for the Forum to influence wider discussions around sexual abuse, abusive relationships, victim and survivor support and access to justice. 4. Safe, Trauma-Informed and Ethical Practice Ensure all engagement is underpinned by trauma-informed, strengths-basedand empowerment-focused practice. Create an environment where members feel respected, listenedtoand valued. Never place pressure on members todisclosepersonal experiences. Recognise thedifferent waysthat trauma and lived experience may affect participation, communication,relationshipsand wellbeing. Respond sensitively and appropriately to emotional distress,disclosuresor safeguarding concerns in line with Nexus policies and procedures. Maintain clear professional boundaries while developing warm,authenticand supportive relationships with members. Recognise and respond appropriately to the diverse experiences and needs of members, including factors such as disability, neurodivergence, gender, age, sexuality,raceand socio-economic circumstances. Work closely with counselling and aftercare colleagues where membersrequireadditionalsupport, ensuring the Forum does not duplicate or replace therapeutic provision. 5. Forum Development and Engagement Develop new and creative ideas to increase participation,engagementand member ownership of the Forum. Work with members toidentifywhat they want from the Forum and how it can continue to develop. Explore opportunities for members to take on leadership, peer-supportor representative roles within the Forum whereappropriate. Develop activities and projects that enable members to build confidence,skillsand connections. Support the Forum to develop its own identity,cultureand priorities. Encourage members to shape the way the Forumoperatesand to contribute ideas for future activities and development. Promote the User Forum internally and externally as an important mechanism for lived-experience voice and influence. 6. Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Risk Management Uphold Nexus safeguarding, confidentiality, informationgovernanceand data protection policies. Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns,disclosuresoridentifiedrisks. Maintainappropriate confidentialitywhile ensuring safeguarding responsibilities are understood. Ensure members understand the boundaries of confidentiality and information sharing. Work with relevant colleagues to ensureappropriate supportand referral pathways are available. 7. Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation Develop andmaintainappropriate Forumdocumentation, including Terms of Reference, group agreements, consentprocessesand information materials. Coordinate meetings, activities, venues, accessibility arrangements,traveland expenses/incentives where applicable. Maintainaccurateand confidential recordsin accordance withNexus policies and GDPR requirements. Monitor participation,engagementand outcomes. Contribute to evaluation and reporting, particularly capturing the qualitative impact of lived-experience involvement. Demonstrate how User Forum participation has influenced Nexus work and contributed to positive change. 8. Collaborative Working Develop effective working relationships across Nexus, particularly with counselling, aftercare, policy, servicedevelopmentand management teams. Promote the value of lived experience as a form ofexpertiseacross the organisation. Work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners toidentifymeaningful opportunities for User Forum members to influence change. Attend relevant meetings, training,supervisionand development opportunities. Contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture. General Responsibilities Uphold and activelydemonstrateNexus values. Work in a way that promotes inclusion, dignity,respectand empowerment. Manage workload effectively and meet agreed deadlines. Maintain professional standards and engage positively with supervision and reflective practice. Take responsibility for continued learning and professional development. Undertake other dutiesappropriate tothe level and nature of the role. Person Specification Essential Criteria Knowledge and Experience Educated to A-Level standard with at least1 years demonstrable experience offacilitatinggroups,forumsor participatory spaces, particularly with people affected by trauma,abuseor inequality. Experience of building positive and effective relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Experience offacilitatinggroups or creating spaces where people feel able to share their views andparticipate. Experience of supporting people to develop confidence,voiceand self-advocacy skills. In-depth understanding of the impact of sexual abuse and abusive relationships, including complex and long-term trauma. Strong understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-basedand empowerment-focused practice. Understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and ethical participation. Skills and Personal Qualities Highly personable and approachable, with an ability to build genuine and trusting relationships with people. Warm,empatheticand emotionally intelligent, witha high levelof sensitivity to the experiences and needs of others. Confident and engaging facilitatorwho can create a positive, welcoming and inclusive group environment. Creative andfull of ideas, with the ability to develop interesting,accessibleand meaningful activities that encourage participation. Able to communicate clearly and confidently with individuals and groups. Excellent listening skills and the ability to understand different perspectives. Able to encourage and motivate others while respecting individual choice and boundaries. Able to handle sensitive conversations, emotionalresponsesand difficult group dynamics calmly and appropriately. Able to support people to develop confidence and advocate for themselves and others. Able to translate lived experience into clear learning,recommendationsand positive action. Strong organisational and planning skills. Able to work independently while also contributing positively to a wider team. Committed to reflective practice, supervision, personalwellbeingand professional development. Flexible and willing to travel across Northern Ireland and work occasional evenings whererequired. Desirable Criteria Level 4 Independent Advocacy qualification. Experience working within counselling,aftercareor specialist support services. Experience of co-production or lived-experience participation. Experience of delivering advocacy training or personal development programmes. Experience of developing orfacilitatingUser Forums, supportgroupsor peer-led initiatives. Experience of using creative or alternative approaches to participation. Values and Safeguarding This role involves regular, direct contact with people who have experienced sexual abuse and abusive relationships. The postholder mustdemonstratehigh levelsof empathy, emotional awareness,professionalismand self-awareness. They must be able to createsafe,positiveand empowering relationshipswhile maintaining clear professional boundaries. They must be confident working with sensitive and sometimes challenging conversations and able to respond appropriately to distress, disclosures and safeguarding concerns. Above all, the postholder will be someone whobelieves in the value of lived experience, enjoys working with people, builds strong relationships and is passionate about helping others find their voice, developconfidenceand influence change. Application details ? CV Application requirements ACCESS NI (Criminal Conviction Checks for Regulated Activity Posts) The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. The Access NI Code of Practice is available to applicants on request. Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent a person being employed by Nexus NI. If you are unsure what this is, please consult this website: As per Access NI Code of Practice Nexus NI has a policy on the recruitment of Ex-offenders which is available on request by sending an email to: All information disclosed will be handled in accordance with the Nexus NI policy on Keeping Information Safe which is available on request by sending an email to: A full, clean driving licence isrequiredfor this role, as the post involves regular travel between locations in the course of normal duties. Applicants must be able todemonstratethat they can meet the mobility requirements of the post. This may be through access to a driving licence and use of a vehicle, or by other suitable means, such as public transport or alternative travel arrangements. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. In line with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended in Northern Ireland) and Equality Commission for Northern Ireland guidance, we will consider reasonable adjustments to the selection process and/or working arrangements where a disability affects an applicants ability to hold a driving licence, provided that the essential requirements of the role can be fulfilled. This job description is not incorporated into the employees contract of employment. It is intended as a guide and should not be viewed as an inflexible specification. It may be varied from time to time in the light of strategic developments following discussion with the post holder. Please visit our website for more information. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as Black and minority ethnic groups, male, disabled people, and people from the LGBTQIA community are currently under-represented, we would particularly welcome applications from the above-mentioned communities and backgrounds. Selection will be made on merit. To Apply Please note CV's alone are not accepted. Please visit our website and download the supplementary questions for this role and submit this form along with your CV. Information how to apply is on our website. Deadlines for applications is Monday 28th September 2026 at 12pm. ADZN1_NI41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15