At a Glance
- Tasks: Support youth services by reviewing and shaping engagement strategies for young people.
- Company: Together for Children, dedicated to improving lives in our community.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, professional development, wellbeing activities, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local youth services while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience accessing services and working towards NVQ Level 1 or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 24796 - 25185 £ per year.
Grade: 1. Salary: £24,796 - £25,185 per annum pro rata (pro‑rate). PVH Fixed‑Term Contract for 12 months. 2.5 hours per week. Location: Stanfield Centre, Hendon, Sunderland. Interview Date: 11th August 2026.
About the role
We are looking to recruit young people who have direct experience of services in Together for Children—such as Youth Offending, Youth Prevention, the Youth Drug and Alcohol Project, Care‑Experienced—to the post of Lived Experience Advisor. These newly created posts offer an exciting opportunity for young people to gain experience and influence service development to benefit the young people in our area. The posts are initially for 12 months, and candidates need to be available for only 10 hours per month which can be flexible to accommodate school, college or work commitments.
The successful candidates will support Targeted Youth Services in a number of ways, such as reviewing current services, shaping new ways of engaging young people, training and delivery, interviewing, and working alongside current staff to directly engage young people currently working within the service. Child‑first is important to TFC, and we hope the new advisory role will bring forward thinking and an innovative view on service developments.
Qualifications and experience
- Possession of or working towards NVQ Level 1 or equivalent.
- Experience as a young person accessing Services provided by Together for Children, especially Youth Offending and YDAP project.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. We will also carry out an online internet search of publicly available information that might suggest that you are not fit to work with children or young people.
Due to recent changes in UKVI rules, this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
How to apply
Contact Susan Flett at for an informal discussion.
Why work with us?
- Make a difference: Our work is incredibly rewarding and matters to the lives of children, families and the community.
- Inclusion: Thrive in a diverse and inclusive culture and participate in employee networks.
- Work‑Life Balance: We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible arrangements, including part‑time opportunities, flexible hours and the possibility of remote work.
- Professional Development: Advance your career with induction, supervision, peer support and a supportive environment.
- Wellbeing: Benefit from wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.
Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards: For additional information please follow this link: Together for Children Benefits and Rewards.
About Our Team: About Us. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. Our team aims to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead or Peoplesupport if you need adjustments or support during the recruitment process or in the workplace.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked‑after young person, are care experienced, or are a veteran.
Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now.
Lived Experience Mentor in Sunderland employer: North East Ambition
Centurion Multi-Academy Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a competitive salary and a commitment to operational excellence, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the educational outcomes of pupils and the wider community. Located in a supportive environment, the Trust offers unique opportunities for leadership development and strategic involvement in shaping the future of education.
