Participation Advocate

Job Description
Location:
Exceptional Care Ltd, Malthouse Business Centre, 48 Southport Road

Location: Exceptional Care Head Office, Ormskirk Reports to: Quality Manager Duration: Paid

What is the Role?

Participation Advocates play a vital role in ensuring children and young people in care are actively involved in shaping the services, policies, and decisions that affect their lives.

Participation is a right. According to Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), all children and young people have the right to express their views and have them taken seriously. This role empowers you to create meaningful, positive change within our services, campaigns, and broader systems of regulation, third sector partners and business.

About The Role
Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and Support a Young People's Advisory Group (YPAG): Help establish, lead, and contribute to the work of YPAG—bringing together young voices from across the organisation.
• Champion Youth Voice: Share the views and experiences of children and young people, especially those in Exceptional Care, to inform improvements in practice and policy.
• Work with the Quality Team: Provide regular feedback based on young people's experiences to support service development and highlight good practice. Support the quality framework within regulation and training.
• Campaign & Advocacy: Help design and deliver campaigns on issues that matter to young people and raise awareness within and beyond the organisation.
• Contribute to Publications and Materials: Provide insight and feedback on materials and resources intended for young people, ensuring they are accessible, inclusive, and relevant.
• Environmental scorecard completion – Provide feedback on the environment in which our children live.
• Viva Engage platform manage – Develop, maintain the communication platform for our staff members - to build a strong sense of community across our organisation, with a particular focus on creating a safe and engaging space for young people. This platform will help us connect more effectively, celebrate success stories, and improve communication across teams and homes.

What You'll Gain

• Peer Mentoring and Advocacy Training: Receive high-quality training to build your confidence, communication, and leadership skills.
• Professional Development: Gain valuable experience, knowledge, and skills that can support your future education or career goals.
• Ongoing Support: You'll be guided and supported throughout your role to ensure you feel prepared, empowered, and heard.

Who We're Looking For
You don't need specific qualifications—but we are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about making a difference for other children and young people
• Enjoys working with others and sharing ideas
• Wants to develop new skills and grow personally and professionally

Additional Information

• You will be mentored by experienced staff throughout your involvement
• Expenses may be covered
• Time commitment: Full time
• A clear commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality will be expected
• You will be trained in areas such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, recording and reporting, health and safety and professional boundaries.

Skills Needed
Required Criteria

• NVQ L3 / L4 Children and Young Peoples Workforce
• UK Driving Licence

Desired Criteria

• NVQ L5 Leadership and Management

Closing Date
Tuesday 4th November, 2025

Contract Type
fulltime

Salary
£12.00 Hourly