Participation Advisor

Why apply for this role?

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) is undergoing an exciting period of reform designed to make a step change in improving outcomes for children.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Participation Advisor to join our team and use their passion and innovation to involve children and young people to improve CHS’s functions and uphold children’s rights.

Building on the work that has already been done, you will support an ambitious programme of participatory work involving children and people with experience of the hearing system to drive forward improvements in practices and standards.

Your role

You will lead focused, creative and structured engagement work with groups of children and young people, including our Experts by Experience group. You will create the space, audiences and opportunities to ensure the voice of children and young people with lived experience of the hearing system are elevated and influence decision making within CHS and across the Children’s Hearings System.

You will provide support to our Experts by Experience group to enable them to develop their own skills and confidence when they participate with CHS.

Critical to this role will be your ability to build connections with key partners to share learning, improve practice and bring about lasting change. You will help build a strong brand and identity to this work.

About you

You must have experience of working with children and young people to bring about lasting change. You will have a good working knowledge of the Children’s Hearings System, the legislative landscape, children’s rights, and the issues that face children and young people in the hearing system.

You will be supported to further develop your knowledge of the Children’s Hearings System and be given exposure to national forums and development opportunities that will build on your existing knowledge.

You will work closely with CHS colleagues, children and young people and partner organisations to encourage and use feedback to help bring about lasting change.

You will have knowledge of confidentiality and trauma informed practice, and how to effectively engage and encourage young people with lived experience of the hearing system. Above all you must be committed to children’s rights and have experience of being involved in programmes of work that have resulted in impactful improvements.