This vacancy has now closed

Participation Officer

  • Full time
  • £35,586 – £44,322
  • Based in Bridgeside House, 99 McDonald Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4NS(due to COVID-19, currently working from home).
  • Closing 23rd August 2021


  • Advertised from 2nd August 2021
  • 37 hours per week, 6-month post

Role

Passionate about children’s human rights? Want to use your expertise to make areal difference to the lives of children and young people?

Then we want you to join us to promote and safeguard the rights of children and young people in Scotland.

Overview of the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland

In 2003 the Scottish Parliament wanted to “make a real difference by creating an independent, high-profile and influential post” of Children and Young People’s Commissioner with a responsibility to promote and safeguard the rights of everyone under 18 in Scotland or up to 21 if the young person is in care or has care experience.

Children and young people don’t have the same economic or political power as adults. Adult systems aren’t designed around children’s needs and when things go wrong it’ smuch harder for them to get justice. They need a champion who is an independent personable to challenge those in power.

The role of Commissioner must do that, whilst bringing together different parts of the political and institutional systems and society in the best interests of the child. As well as being a champion for rights, a key part of the job is to work with people who make decisions that affect children and young people lives so that they deliver on their promises– for example within education, healthcare, housing and justice.

Decision-makers must understand their rights obligations and include and listen effectively to children and young people in order to do their jobs properly.

We are a dedicated team of 15 staff who bring a variety of skills and talents to help influence and drive progress within children’s human rights. As a team, we work to our shared values of bravery, independence, leadership, participation and respect so that we can be the fierce champions of rights that children and young people need us to be.

Role Summary:

The Participation Officer will build upon our existing commitment to seek and act upon the views and concerns of children and young people and be fierce champions to promote and protect their human rights.

This is an outstanding opportunity to help shape our participation work during a time of exciting change to the landscape of children’s rights in Scotland where the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) will be incorporated into domestic law.

We are looking for a skilled professional who can help us develop our online and in-person participation with children and young people across Scotland, ensuring that we build an exciting and safe space for all, which will continue beyond COVID-19.

If you meet the criteria listed in the job description, we would love to hear from you. As this post involves direct work with children and young people, you will be required to obtain PVG scheme membership through Disclosure Scotland if successful at interview.

Application notes

A Recruitment Pack is available for download below.

All applications by CV and covering letter are welcomed accepted by email to recruitment@cypcs.org.uk and must be submitted by 9am Monday 23rd August.

Interviews will take place on Friday 3rd September and will be conducted remotely due to COVID-19.


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