DBS0620 Participation and Advocacy Officer

North Tyneside Council is looking to employ a permanent Participation and Advocacy Officer. The post holder will work in the Children's Participation Team to develop and deliver initiatives to support children and young people to be involved in having a voice, shaping services and be fully involved in decision making in North Tyneside.

The post holder will be responsible for (but not limited to);

• The development and delivery of a high-quality children & young people's Participation and Advocacy Service.


• Supporting the Participation and Advocacy Team to ensure the involvement of children & young people at all levels of council planning and service delivery.


• Promoting the empowerment of children and young people and in particular those who are more vulnerable, to help them speak out.


• Delivery of a comprehensive youth democracy programme including leading the Young Mayor project, Youth Council and UK Youth Parliament.


• Running of youth elections including the promotion of opportunities to young people.


• Supporting the Young Mayor and Member of Youth Parliament to fulfil their pledges.


• Ensuring young people are represented locally, regionally and nationally through involvement in campaigns and activities of partners.


• Coordination of activities between young representatives and Elected Members.


• Increasing participation rates for children and young people in participatory forums.


• Increasing quality with respect to young people's participation.


• Enhancing infrastructures for the quality of the participation of children and young people.


• Increase opportunities for children & young people to influence council decision making and be involved in relevant groups.


• Increase numbers of children and young people who volunteer.


You will lead on the development, implementation, and monitoring of an engaging participation and engagement programme across the borough which is accessible to children and young people.

This will include supporting and co-designing opportunities for children and young people to have a voice within strategic decision making. You will need to work collaboratively to build a broad and engaging offer that is co designed by young people, and parent carers.

You will need to be comfortable working with Elected Members, VCS colleagues, strategic partners, communities, schools and other education provisions, but most importantly children and young people and their families.

If you think you are the right person to join us, we would love to hear from you. If you are offered an interview, you will be expected to be interviewed by young people as a key part of the process.

As an employee of North Tyneside Council, you will feel valued from the moment you join us. We have a comprehensive induction process to ensure you are supported in your role from day one and our experienced and approachable management team will support you to achieve your professional goals., North Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and adults at risk of harm. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and to familiarise themselves with all relevant policies, procedures and guidance. Within North Tyneside, safeguarding is everybody's business.

Supporting documents
Application Form Guidance 2022.pdf (250.11 KB)
NTC Candidate Pack.pdf (3.19 MB)
Pack - DBS0620 Participation and Advocacy Officer.pdf (147.83 KB)

In return for your valuable contribution, you will have access to our excellent benefits package:

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (for contracts of 3 months or more)


• A supportive Occupational Sick Pay scheme


• A generous annual leave allowance, which increases with service, plus bank holidays


• A range of flexible working and leave options, including part-time working, to support work/life balance (subject to business requirements)


• Access to Occupational Health services including physiotherapy and counselling


• Our Employee Assistance Programme which includes a telephone helpline and extensive online resources for support and advice


• Extensive training and development opportunities including access to our Learning Pool online platform


• Supported career progression


• Discounted membership of our Leisure Centres including 5 gyms; 4 pools and over 250 classes every week


• The 'Benefits Plus' Scheme enabling salary sacrifice for Car Leasing; Cycle to Work Scheme; additional annual leave, public transport season ticket.


The interviews are expected to take place w/c 3rd of June 2024.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and an Enhanced DBS disclosure, including Barred List Check, will be required.