Children's Rights and Participation Officer

CITY OF LONDON

Children's Rights and Participation Officer

Salary: £42,750 - £47,620 per annum inclusive of Inner London Weighting

Contract: Full-time - Permanent (Hybrid)

Hybrid - you'll be expected to be in the office at least 3 days per week or 60% of your working time in the office.

Are you passionate about championing children's rights and amplifying young voices - especially those who need to be heard the most?

We're looking for a Children's Rights and Participation Officer to lead meaningful engagement with children and young people across the City of London, ensuring they're at the heart of our services, policies and decision-making. You'll work with children in care, care leavers, young carers and others with lived experience of Early Help or Social Care, helping shape a city where every child's voice matters.

Why This Role?

You'll design and lead innovative ways for children and young people to participate, share feedback, and influence service improvements. From advocacy to Return Home Interviews, your work will directly protect rights, promote wellbeing and improve outcomes.

• Champion the Voice of the Child: Promote participation across Children's Services, coordinate the Children in Care Council, and drive co-production. Deliver Advocacy that Makes a Difference: Support individual children and young people to navigate systems, access their rights and thrive. Influence at Every Level: Share insights and evidence with senior leaders and Members to improve services for those who need them most.

What We're Looking For :

• A relevant qualification (e.g. in youth work, social work) or equivalent experience in participation and advocacy Experienced in working with children and young people in vulnerable situations Strong understanding of safeguarding, children's rights (e.g. UNCRC, Children Act 1989), and how local authorities work Skilled in developing creative, inclusive engagement - from workshops and surveys to events and training A confident communicator who can build trust and challenge where needed, promoting equity, inclusion and anti-racist practice Knowledge of GDPR, confidentiality, and strong IT, time management, and reporting skills

Why Join Us?

At the City of London Corporation, you'll have the chance to work in a small, dynamic and dedicated team - with the influence and scope to make a tangible difference in children's lives.

You'll report to our Head of Safeguarding and Quality Assurance and work across internal services and external partners to ensure children's rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. You'll also be supported to develop professionally, with ongoing CPD and a role that offers variety, creativity and purpose.

In addition to a competitive salary and membership of the excellent Local Government Pension Scheme, you can look forward to an all-round package of life-improving benefits and offers - from interest-free season ticket and bicycle loans to discounts on health and wellbeing, arts and culture.

Closing date: 28 November 2025.

Interviews will be held on 17 December 2025.