Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

We believe in really listening to our infants, children, young people and families. We believe in those views being at the heart of how we make big decisions about plans, about services and about direction. If we understand and respond to people's experiences – the good and the bad – this will lead us to better, smarter, kinder ways of being – and create better opportunities for everyone.

We have an amazing opportunity for a Participation Worker who'll work closely with our experienced Engagement Coordinator to build relationships with a wide range of people, supporting them to share their views and experiences in a way that is flexible, creative and feels safe.

You'll work with children, young people and their families to establish a policy that can be used consistently across services in West Dunbartonshire about fair remuneration, exploring the most valued way we can recognise their expertise and contribution. The Participation team will reach as many of our children, young people and families as possible, consulting on a range of issues around The Promise.

The other aspect of their role will be how this information is then blended with the quantitative data we have – how the stories this person has gathered are conveyed to staff at all levels, making sure the experiences behind the stats are understood.

We're looking for a bright and friendly individual with a passion for listening to, empowering and raising the voices of children, young people and their families. Experience engaging and working with children, young people and families in creative and meaningful ways is desirable but full training and coaching will also be provided and we welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of social care.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of the role will be;

• Experience or interest in youth work/community development/participation.
• An understanding of The Promise and what is means for Scotland's children and young people.
• Working within the service and other partners to establish ways in which children and young people are able to participate more fully in their own lives.
• Ability to think creatively to promote inclusion and keep participation fun and meaningful.
• Ability to think on your feet to adapt activities and approaches to best suit participants.

Let's talk about you

• Relevant experience of working with children and young people.
• Desire to support and empower others and compassionate of experiences and views of others.
• Basic ICT skills and ability to gather and present evidence effectively.
• Ability to work independently as well as with colleagues and partner organisations.

Benefits:

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 29 days PLUS bank holidays
• Up to 5 more days leave for continuous service plus the option to buy and sell leave.
• Gain professional qualifications with excellent training, and development opportunities.
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
• A pension with a up to a 7% employer contribution rate. Plus, if you pay in to the pension you will receive life assurance cover.
• Staff discount portal with your favourite brands.
• Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 discounts from national retailers.

Good to know

Application Process: There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.

Talent Pool: We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Could you help grow our income from Charitable Trusts and Foundations and make a lasting difference to the lives of the babies, children, young people and families we support?

You will be joining one of Scotland’s leading charities, where you will develop new and effective fundraising propositions to ensure we provide the best hospital experience possible.

We fund a variety of child and family services, innovative medical equipment, research and enhancements, giving you the opportunity to seek funds for a diverse range of projects.

Download job description

Find out more about our values

Full list of the benefitsyou will receive while working for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

About Us

Home-Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (HSRI) is a registered charity providing volunteer led, family centred, non-judgmental support to families with at least one child aged under five.

As a valued colleague joining our compassionate and forward-thinking team, you will be part of our vision of walking alongside families, offering early help, empowering families to build on existing strengths, to achieve better wellbeing outcomes for themselves and their children.

Main Responsibilities:

• Receiving referrals and assessing needs of families
• Introducing families to appropriate support
• Recruiting, selecting and training volunteers
• Matching and introducing volunteers to families
• Providing support, supervision and on-going training opportunities for volunteers
• Undertaking designated responsibilities to safeguard children’s welfare
• Ensuring equality of opportunity, fairness, inclusion and diversity in all aspects of our work
• Complying with the scheme’s administration, monitoring and financial systems
• Ensuring appropriate liaison with referrers and other professionals
• Contributing to and supporting the development of the Home-Start network

Next Steps

This is a rewarding role where you will impact in improving families' lives. If this sounds like you then please apply - full details are available in the job pack available to download.

If you would like to have an informal discussion please contact Ashley Greenwood, Lead Coordinator: ashley@hsri.org.uk