Participation and Advocacy Officer

Are you passionate about empowering children and young people to shape the world around them? Do you believe in the importance of youth voice, children’s rights, and democratic participation? If so, this is your opportunity to make a real difference.

North Tyneside Council is seeking a committed and creative Participation and Advocacy Officer (Youth Democracy) to help deliver a high‑quality participation and advocacy service for children and young people across the borough.

About the Role

In this exciting and varied role, you will champion youth voice and democratic engagement, ensuring children and young people are meaningfully involved in shaping council services, policies and decision‑making. You will:

• Lead the delivery of our comprehensive Youth Democracy Programme, including the Young Mayor, Youth Council, and UK Youth Parliament.
• Coordinate and promote youth elections, increasing awareness and participation among young people.
• Support the Young Mayor and Member of Youth Parliament to fulfil their pledges and represent their peers locally, regionally and nationally.
• Develop innovative and creative approaches to children’s rights, participation and engagement.
• Facilitate participation forums and create opportunities for young people to speak out and influence change.
• Strengthen communication systems that support children and young people to share their views.
• Lead the Young Advisors project, involving young people in safeguarding activity.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across statutory and voluntary sectors and coordinate activities between young representatives and Elected Members.
• Organise events, conferences and workshops that celebrate and amplify youth voice.

What We’re Looking For

You will bring:

• Professional knowledge of participation, children’s rights, youth voice systems and relevant UK legislation.
• At least two years’ experience working directly with children and young people in a community, youth, social work or similar setting.
• Strong skills in communication, facilitation, partnership working and creative engagement.
• The ability to work under pressure, manage your own workload and deliver high‑quality outcomes.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, children’s rights and amplifying lived experience.
• NVQ Level 4 or equivalent qualification in a relevant field (e.g., youth work, social work, education, health, community work).

It would be great if you also have:

• Knowledge of democratic education.
• A degree‑level qualification.
• A full driving licence (driving is an advantage for this role).

Working Arrangements

This role is office‑based, with flexible working required to meet service needs. You must be able to work across North Tyneside, with some evening and weekend work. An Enhanced DBS is required.

Contact:

For an informal conversation regarding the vacancy, please contact:

Toni McMullan - Toni.McMullan@northtyneside.gov.uk

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

Applications based upon flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be given full consideration.

Why North Tyneside Council?

Our People First strategy is our promise to make North Tyneside Council an exceptional place to work, where everyone can thrive and flourish. A place where people want to work, where joining our team is an exciting prospect, staying with us feels like a great decision, and building your career at North Tyneside Council is a natural progression.

As part of our People First strategy, we are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our success and the well-being of our employees and residents. Our goal is to foster an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued.

Together, we're crafting a workplace that's built on our values and a shared commitment to making a difference.

If you are passionate and committed about making a difference and want to work somewhere where you can make positive change, we will provide the right environment for you to excel.

Alongside our People First strategy, we are 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.

Require a reasonable adjustment? If you feel a reasonable adjustment will provide additional support in both the recruitment process and within the workplace, please indicate this to the hiring manager on your application. Declaring a reasonable adjustment will not subject you to any form of discrimination when determining which applicants are successful for interview and employment with us.

Our Carbon Net-Zero 2030 Action Plan

In 2019, North Tyneside Council declared a climate emergency. This declaration set a target to reduce the carbon footprint of the council’s operations, and the borough, by 50% by 2023 and to align to the Government’s net zero target of 2050.

We recognise the significant role we can play in the borough in helping to limit climate change, but we can’t do this alone; we need help from all our residents, businesses, voluntary and community sectors and of course all those who apply and work for us. Together we can make North Tyneside a sustainable place to live and work for everyone in the borough.

To learn more about Our Carbon Net-Zero 2030 Action Plan, click here.

Applying

To view more information about the role and view the Job Description please click "Apply" you will be taken to the North Tyneside Careers Portal.

Learn More

For further information about North Tyneside Council, the benefits of working for us, candidate support, and the many attractions of working and living in North Tyneside please see the council’s “work for us" page here Work for us | North Tyneside Council

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